British-Nigerian heavyweight contender Lawrence Okolie has returned an adverse doping test just days before his scheduled clash with France’s Tony Yoka in Paris.
The 33-year-old is due to face Yoka, the 2016 Olympic gold medallist, on Saturday, 25 April.
However, promoter Queensberry Promotions confirmed it was notified late Monday by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association that Okolie’s pre-fight test flagged an issue.
A final decision on whether the bout will proceed is still pending.
Okolie, a former world champion at cruiserweight and bridgerweight, insists the result is linked to medical treatment following an arm injury sustained during training.
Posting on social media, he urged calm: he explained that after a prior bicep injury, he aggravated his elbow in camp and received treatment. He added that he is cooperating fully with authorities and expects to be cleared.
Since moving up to heavyweight in 2024, Okolie remains unbeaten in three fights, most recently stopping Ebenezer Tetteh in December.
