In the light of Lawrence Okolie’s failed VADA test, another British fighter has been given a three month suspension by UKAD.
It’s been a week in boxing shadowed by the cancellation of Tony Yoka vs Lawrence Okolie.
The heavyweight fight was billed to headline in front of close to 10,000 fans in Paris live on DAZN.
An adverse analytical finding in a VADA Anti-Doping Test for Lawrence Okolie (23-1, 16ko’s) has left the Londoner with a battle on his hand.
Previous examples like Conor Benn (25-1, 14ko’s) and Dennis McCann (16-0-1, 8ko’s) showcase how lengthy the process of exonerating yourself of any wrongdoing can take.
Whether Okolie’s B sample will support his case is yet to be seen.
Via Instagram, Okolie has declared that a surgery he undertook for his arm may have resulted in this conclusion.
Subsequently, Tony Yoka (15-3, 12ko’s) was left without an opponent, and Frank Warren had to cancel the event.
Now as of Thursday, more failed drug test news is coming out of British boxing.
Former WBO European lightweight title Mitchell Smith has officially been handed a three month suspension by United Kingdom Anti Doping (UKAD).
Mitchell Smith (18-1, 9ko’s) failed a post-fight drugs test in October 2025, after defeating Arnie Dawson (8-1, 4ko’s) over ten rounds.
According to BoxingScene, the reason for the short-term ban is because the banned substance Smith tested positive for was not performance enhancing.
Despite this, the fight has been changed to a no-contest.
UKAD have revealed they will reveal the full details of the case in May.
Yes it highlights the continuing problem of fighters consuming banned substances.
However, the more testing that is conducted, the more fighters that risk their long-term health by entering the ring will be protected.
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