Lawrence Okolie failed drugs test sees whole Paris | Boxing News

Queensberry Promotions have confirmed that the combat card headlined by Lawrence Okolie has been cancelled due to his failed drugs test. The 33-year-old was due to combat Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in Paris on Saturday, but the combat was scrapped after the heavyweight returned an opposed discovering during a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) evaluation.

Okolie was trying to stun the Frenchman on home soil to make it three victories at heavyweight and push in the direction of competing for world honours. However, days before the event, the bout was compelled to be cancelled following the test outcomes which has led to your complete card being scrapped. ‘The Sauce’ has vowed to clear his title and says he’ll totally cooperate with the investigation following the news which emerged on Tuesday (April 21).

The co-main event between Bakary Samake and Ermal Hadribeaj has also been scrapped as a outcome of the discovering. In a assertion, the boxing promotion said: “Due to circumstances outside of our control, Queensberry and DAZN have regrettably made the decision to cancel this Saturday’s scheduled event in Paris.”

Okolie has received each of his last 4 fights following defeat to Chris Billiam-Smith in the British super-fight at the Vitality Stadium, home of Premier League facet Bournemouth. The 33-year-old posted to Instagram after the news relating to his bout, as he moved to dismiss any foul play.

He said: “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.

“I’ll of course be totally cooperating with all related authorities and I’m assured any investigation will clear my title. I received’t be making any additional remark at this time. Thank you for all your assist and see you soon.”

Okolie had his sights on some of the big guns in the division, calling out feared prospect Moses Itauma after his knockout win over Ebenezer Tetteh in December. The Sauce beat Ghanian in two rounds after scoring a knockout before firing shots towards the 21-year-old.

Frank Warren confirmed to talkSPORT that Okolie was suspended from boxing as a result of the adverse finding. It has been said that attempts were made to source a replacement but a deal couldn’t be thrashed out days before the fight.

The promoter said: “Under the circumstances he’s immediately suspended. He could have to deal with a listening to when they convene a listening to. It may be very unsatisfactory.”