Lawrence Okolie drug test controversy stops Tony Yoka fight as Frank Warren hints at new opponent twist

The big heavyweight clash between Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka has suddenly been called off. The fight was supposed to take place in Paris as a WBC title eliminator, but everything changed after Okolie returned a failed drug test. The sample, taken on April 8 by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency, showed the presence of GHRP-2, a substance linked to human growth hormone.

Soon after the news came out, Okolie shared a statement online. He admitted there was an issue but said it came from medical treatment he received for an injury. At the same time, promoter Frank Warren confirmed that the fight would not go ahead and explained what could happen next for both fighters, especially Tony Yoka.

Lawrence Okolie’s failed test puts Tony Yoka’s fight on hold as Frank Warren explains rescheduling plan

Frank Warren did not hide his disappointment when speaking about the situation. He said, “Obviously that was a disappointing situation. It’s a very, very, very big disappointment. I mean, very disappointed with that but it is what it is and it’ll have to take its course when the Board of Control and UKAD call for the hearing and they have to go through the procedure.”

He also explained the next steps clearly. “I’m sure he’ll present his B sample and then depending on the outcome of that, if it matches the A sample, then he’s gonna have to give an explanation.”

While the focus is now on the investigation, Warren made it clear that Tony Yoka will not be left waiting for too long. He confirmed that Yoka will get a new fight soon. “He will be fighting soon he’ll be out,” Warren said.

There were even talks of putting Yoka on an upcoming DAZN card. However, that plan did not move forward because of training commitments. Trainer Don Charles is currently working closely with Daniel Dubois, who is preparing for his own major fight.

Warren explained, “We were actually thinking of putting him on this card but that would have meant that Don would have had to be working his corner as well and he said he wanted to focus on Daniel quite rightly, so Tony will be out, fairly soon.”

Okolie, on his side, tried to give his version of events. He wrote, “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.”

He added, “I will of course be fully co-operating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name.” For now, the fight is off, the investigation is ongoing, and Tony Yoka waits for a new opponent.



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