British Boxer Lawrence Okolie Fails Drug Test Ahead of Tony Yoka Bout
British heavyweight Lawrence Okolie has failed a doping test just days before his scheduled fight against France’s Tony Yoka in Paris, according to his promoters Queensberry. The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association said the test returned an adverse finding, putting the bout in doubt and triggering fresh scrutiny around the former world champion.
Queensberry said it would provide further updates on the event in due course. Okolie, who is 33, said the result was linked to treatment he received for an elbow injury during training, after earlier suffering a bicep problem. He insisted he is innocent and said he will cooperate fully with the investigation.
The timing is a major blow to the Paris card, with Okolie having been expected to use the fight as part of his push toward a future heavyweight title shot. He remains one of the leading names in Britain’s heavyweight scene, but the adverse finding now places his immediate boxing future under a cloud.
About the Author
