Tony Yoka was set to welcome WBC number one Lawrence Okolie to Paris this Saturday.
Hours after the breaking news of Lawrence Okolie’s (23-1, 16ko’s) adverse analytical finding in a VADA test, Queensberry Promotions have confirmed the full cancelation of Saturday’s event in Paris.
The boxing world were waiting to find out if Frank Warren and Queensberry could find a replacement opponent to face Tony Yoka (15-3, 12ko’s).
It is believed close to ten thousand people were set to be in attendance for Queensberry’s second European event of 2026.
They had so much success with Agit Kabayel in Germany, so it made perfect sense to try and replicate this with Tony Yoka.
The fight had world title ramifications as well, with Okolie possessing a number one ranking with the WBC.
Speaking to talkSPORT, promoter Frank Warren confirmed that talks were ongoing for a British replacement to save the day on Saturday.
British hopeful David Adeleye (14-2, 12ko’s) told Pro Boxing Fans that he was ready to step in, ‘if the bag was right’.
However, what was set to continue a mammoth run of heavyweight fights under the banner of ‘heavyweight season’ on DAZN, has officially been cancelled.
The ultimate victim in this is Tony Yoka.
Paris born Yoka has lost out on a mega opportunity to headline in front of his home fans in a fight with world title ramifications.
Speaking to talkSport, Yoka has stated:
“It was a big opportunity, it would have put me in a really good position”.
“I understand that it is a business, George Warren showed me that Queensberry will give me a fight in May”.
“Either on the Wardley-Dubois fight or maybe the Hrgovic-Allen fight”.
“I don’t know the opponent but the fact is I’m ready to fight anybody”.
“Of course I’m p*ssed, it was the premiere of Queensberry in France”.
Yoka will seek activity now under Don Charles, in a division with a plethora of commercially lucrative fights.
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