Heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie returns adverse anti-doping test result

Promoter Queensberry confirmed the news on Tuesday morning. Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images Share articleBritish heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has returned an adverse finding in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test ahead of a fight with Frenchman Tony Yoka, according to promoter Queensberry. Writing on social media shortly after Queensberry’s announcement, Okolie said he is “confident an investigation will clear (his) name” and that he will cooperate with the authorities. Okolie, 33, is set to be removed from the bout against Yoka, with Queensberry now seeking an alternative opponent for the Rio 2016 super-heavyweight gold medallist for the Paris date this weekend. The promoters were informed of the failed test on Monday night. A statement from Queensberry Promotions on Tuesday morning said: “Last night, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okokie returned an adverse finding conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday. A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.” “Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” Okollie said. “I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails. “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.” A post shared by Dr. Lawrence Okolie (@lawrenceokolie) Okolie represented Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics in the heavyweight division, where he lost in the last 16 of the tournament. The Londoner was inspired to take up boxing in 2012 when he watched Anthony Joshua win gold at the London Olympics while he was working at fast-food restaurant McDonald’s. He went professional after the 2016 Games, initially under Joshua’s management stable 258 MGT, before going on to win the WBO cruiserweight title in 2021 against Polish fighter Krzysztof Glowacki. Okolie, who split from 258 and has been self-managed in recent years, made three defences before losing the title to fellow Brit Chris Billam-Smith in 2023 at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium. The British fighter moved to the newly-formed bridgerweight division and won the WBC title there before launching a bid to become a heavyweight world champion. This was set to be his fourth fight at heavyweight. The Athletic has contacted a person close to Okolie and the British Boxing Board of Control for comment. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms