Saturday’s heavyweight contest between Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka has been plunged into doubt after Okolie failed a drugs test.
The Englishman was scheduled to travel to the French capital of Paris to fight the Parisian Yoka at the Adidas Arena.
His promoters Queensberry Promotions, however, have revealed that they learned on Monday of an “adverse finding” returned by the 33 year old following a drugs test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. It regardless remains unclear whether Yoka, also 33, will still fight.
“The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association [VADA] informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday,” read a statement on social media from Frank Warren’s promotional organisation.
“A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”
Okolie trains out of Manchester, England, under Joe Gallagher. He posted on social media: “Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp. I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails.
“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”
