British heavyweight Lawrence Okolie has failed a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) drugs test, just days before his scheduled fight against Tony Yoka in Paris, Queensberry Promotions confirmed on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
The adverse finding was reported by VADA to Queensberry on Monday evening, casting serious doubt over the bout set for Saturday, April 25, at an undisclosed venue in Paris. Okolie, who holds a record of 23 wins and 1 loss with 17 knockouts, was set to face Yoka, the 2016 Olympic gold medallist with a professional record of 15 wins, 3 losses, and 12 knockouts.
Queensberry Promotions issued a statement confirming the development: “Last night [Monday], the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the display in Paris this Saturday.” The statement added that “a further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”
Okolie, a former cruiserweight world champion and the WBC’s No. 1 ranked heavyweight contender behind Oleksandr Usyk and interim title holder Agit Kabayel, had been seeking a statement victory in Paris that could have positioned him for a mandatory title fight later in the year.
Following the announcement, Okolie addressed the situation on Instagram, stating: “Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp. I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails.” He added: “I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”
Both fighters had recently competed in Nigeria in December, with Okolie defeating Ebenezer Tetteh in Lagos and Yoka also securing a win during that trip. The Paris bout had drawn significant attention as a potential step toward world-title contention for the British heavyweight.
As of Tuesday afternoon, no rescheduling date or alternative opponent had been announced. Queensberry Promotions indicated they would provide further information once the investigation process advances.
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