BackSPORTS
Okolie fails drugs test before Yoka fight
British boxer Lawrence Okolie failed a doping test ahead of his heavyweight bout with Tony Yoka in Paris. The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed promoter Queensberry of an adverse finding from an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show scheduled for April 25. Okolie said the failure followed treatment for injuries and he would cooperate with authorities, hoping the investigation clears his name.
Why It Matters
The doping result could affect the status of the planned heavyweight bout and highlight the enforcement of anti-doping rules in boxing.
Timeline
3 Events
Okolie–Yoka heavyweight bout scheduled for Paris (April 25) remains on the calendar
April 21, 2026
The heavyweight fight between Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka was scheduled to take place in Paris on Saturday, April 25, but promoters said they would provide an update on whether the bout would go ahead in due course.
Okolie issues social media statement after failed test
April 21, 2026
Okolie posted a statement on social media saying the failed test followed treatment for injuries to his elbow after a bicep injury last year, and that he would fully cooperate with authorities; he hoped the investigation would clear his name.
VADA reports adverse finding in Okolie anti-doping test ahead of Paris show
April 20, 2026
Fight promoter Queensberry said on Monday night that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed them that Okolie had returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the Paris show on April 25.