Lawrence Okolie vs Tony Yoka in doubt due to adverse finding

Lawrence Okolie vs Tony Yoka was set to headline a Queensberry Promotions card in Paris on April 25. However, Okolie’s heavyweight journey has taken a huge blow, with the news that he has returned an adverse finding in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test ahead of his fight with Frenchman, Yoka. Okolie has now released a statement via his Instagram account.

Lawrence Okolie vs Tony Yoka now off

Okolie was set to face Yoka on April 25 in an intriguing heavyweight clash, before Queensberry announced on social media:

“Last night, 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.

A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”

Following this news, Okolie is set to be removed from the fight, with Queensberry looking for an alternative opponent for Yoka this weekend. However, that has yet to be confirmed.

Okolie speaks out following adverse finding news

Via his personal Instagram account, Okolie wrote: 

“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” Okollie said. “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.”

This was seen as a make-or-break fight for Okolie and Yoka, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for both following this news.

Lawrence Okolie vs Tony Yoka undercard

• Bakary Samake vs Ermal Hadribeaj, 12 rounds, WBC super welterweight final eliminator
• Mourad Aliev vs Jhan Carlo Delgado, 8 rounds, heavyweights
• Enzo Marguerite vs Jeremy Alvarez, 8 rounds, super welterweights
• Luis Vela vs Yeison Juarez, 6 rounds, super lightweights
• Adam Olaniyan vs Alex Kmet, 4 rounds, heavyweights