Lawrence Okolie heavyweight fight called off after positive drug test

21 Apr 2026 • 11:46 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Lawrence Okolie heavyweight fight called off after positive drug test

  • British boxer Lawrence Okolie failed a drug test ahead of his heavyweight bout against Tony Yoka, resulting in the cancellation of their fight scheduled for this Saturday in Paris.
  • The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry Promotions of an "adverse finding" from Okolie's anti-doping test.
  • Okolie explained on Instagram that the adverse finding stemmed from a treatment for an elbow injury sustained during his training camp, following a previous bicep injury.
  • He stated his full cooperation with authorities and expressed confidence that an investigation would clear his name.
  • Okolie, the reigning WBC silver heavyweight champion, was looking to advance his standing in the world title picture with this now-cancelled fight.

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