Lawrence Okolie has suggested that his failed drug test could be linked to treatment he received for a bicep injury.
The former cruiserweight and bridgerweight champion was set to face Tony Yoka in Paris on Saturday night as part of his move to the heavyweight division.
His promoter, Queensberry, disclosed that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) reported an adverse finding in Okolie’s anti-doping test before the Paris event. Further updates on the situation are expected.
Okolie addressed the issue on social media, explaining that an elbow injury on the same arm as his previous bicep injury during training led to treatment. He expressed confidence in cooperating with authorities and clearing his name through any investigation.
Okolie and Yoka both participated in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, with Yoka winning a gold medal in the super-heavyweight category. Okolie, on the other hand, did not secure a medal but later became a world champion at cruiserweight before transitioning to bridgerweight and then to the heavyweight division.
Ahead of his bout with Yoka, Okolie emphasized feeling at his peak physical condition in the heavyweight category, highlighting his comfort and strength. He saw the fight as a significant opportunity given their shared Olympic background and expressed readiness for the challenge.
Okolie acknowledged Yoka’s skills and experience but believed the momentum favored him in the upcoming match.
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