Queensberry confirms adverse finding days before April 25 Paris main event
Lawrence Okolie’s fight with Tony Yoka in Paris has been called off after he returned an adverse finding in a VADA test. Queensberry Promotions confirmed the development days before the scheduled main event.
Frank Warren confirmed the development and said an update on the card will follow, with Yoka now left without an opponent days out from fight night.
“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,” the promoter said.
The nature of the finding has now become the central issue, with the substance identified as one used to trigger the body’s release of HGH. The case now moves toward review, with Okolie provisionally suspended pending further proceedings.
The fight had been positioned as a key step for both heavyweights, with Okolie moving forward in a new division and Yoka looking to secure a statement win on home ground.
Okolie addressed the situation in a statement posted to Instagram, pointing to a recent injury and treatment during 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 said. “I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails.”
He added that he will cooperate with the process as the case develops.
“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name.”
Queensberry has yet to confirm a replacement opponent for Yoka, with the card still scheduled to proceed in Paris.
Yoka now waits on a confirmed opponent days out from fight night, while Okolie’s next move depends on the outcome of the process tied to the test result.