British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has returned an adverse finding in a pre-fight doping test, casting serious doubt over his scheduled bout against French Olympic champion Tony Yoka this Saturday in Paris.
Promoter Queensberry announced late Monday that it had been notified by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) of the positive test result. The organization stated it would provide updates on the fight's status "in due course" as investigations proceed.
Okolie, 33, responded swiftly with a statement on social media, attributing the failed test to medical treatment for an elbow injury sustained during training camp.
"Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp," Okolie explained. "I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails. I will of course be fully co-operating with all relevant authorities and I'm confident any investigation will clear my name."
The undefeated heavyweight, who previously held world titles at cruiserweight and bridgerweight before moving up in 2024, was set to face Yoka—a gold medalist from the 2016 Rio Olympics—in what was anticipated to be a significant step in his heavyweight campaign.
Okolie has won all three of his heavyweight fights since transitioning to the division, most recently stopping Ebenezer Tetteh last December. The Paris event now hangs in the balance as anti-doping authorities and fight organizers determine next steps.