Lawrence Okolie has issued a statement via Instagram in response to his failed VADA anti-doping test ahead of a clash with Tony Yoka.
Breaking news this morning was that Lawrence Okolie (23-1, 16ko’s) has had an adverse analytical finding in a VADA anti-doping test.
The man from Hackney was set to face Tony Yoka (15-3, 12ko’sO this Saturday in Paris in a Queensberry Promotions headline fight.
Okolie is a former WBC world champion at both cruiserweight and bridgerweight.
Subsequently, upon his move to heavyweight, the WBC granted Okolie with a healthy ranking.
The 33 year old is ranked number one with the WBC, and is only behind interim champion Agit Kabayel (27-0, 19ko’s) in line for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s WBC title.
A win over Tony Yoka would have opened the doors to potential mega fights at heavyweight for Okolie.
However, in a statement by Queensberry Promotions: “Last night the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday. A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”
As of right now, the event has not been discontinued.
Via Instagram, Lawrence Okolie has given a statement of explanation.
Okolie has stated:
“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 will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name.”
“Thank you for all your support and see you soon”
“I won’t be making any further comment at this time”.
As we have previously seen, the process of exonerating any wrongdoing can take a lengthy period.
Whether this will leave Okolie side lined for the near future is yet to be seen.
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