Boxer Lawrence Okolie Returns Adverse Anti-Doping Finding

British boxer Lawrence Okolie has returned an adverse finding in an anti-doping test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada). The test was conducted ahead of his scheduled heavyweight fight against French boxer Tony Yoka.

The bout is scheduled to take place in Paris on Saturday, 25 April.

Fight promoter Queensberry stated it was notified of the finding on Monday night. It said it would provide an update on whether the fight will proceed in due course.

Statement from the Boxer

In a statement posted on social media, Lawrence Okolie addressed the finding. He linked it to a recent injury.

"I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails. I will of course be fully co-operating with all relevant authorities and I'm confident any investigation will clear my name."

He explained the adverse finding followed treatment for an elbow injury sustained during training.

Fighter Background

Lawrence Okolie is 33 years old. He previously held world titles at cruiserweight and bridgerweight before moving up to the heavyweight division in 2024.

He is undefeated in three heavyweight fights, with his most recent being a stoppage victory over Ebenezer Tetteh in December.

His scheduled opponent, Tony Yoka, is a French boxer who won the Olympic gold medal in the super-heavyweight division in 2016.