Lawrence Okolie Fails VADA Test, Paris Card Cancelled

Adverse finding forces full event shutdown as Yoka bout and DAZN show are pulled days out

Lawrence Okolie has failed a VADA test, forcing the cancellation of the April 25 Paris event headlined by his fight with Tony Yoka. Queensberry and DAZN have scrapped the full card, removing the show from the schedule just days before fight night.

Queensberry Promotions confirmed the adverse finding during fight week, with the result immediately taking Okolie out of the main event and resulting in the full card being called off.

A follow-up statement confirmed the wider impact, with Queensberry and DAZN cancelling the event and ticket providers issuing refunds.

“Last night the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie had returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris on Saturday.”

Attention now turns to the substance identified in the test, described as one used to trigger the body’s release of HGH. The finding places Okolie into the formal anti-doping process, with a hearing expected to determine any further action.

Okolie addressed the situation on social media, linking the issue to treatment on an injured arm during camp.

“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 that he will comply fully with the process as it moves forward.

“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name.”

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the immediate suspension and outlined the next steps for the situation.

“Under the circumstances he is immediately suspended. He will have to deal with a hearing when it is convened. It is very unsatisfactory,” Warren said to talkSPORT.

Okolie, a former WBO cruiserweight champion and current WBC silver heavyweight titleholder, had been building momentum since moving up, with wins over Husein Muhamad, Kevin Lerena, and Ebenezer Tetteh.

With the event cancelled, multiple fighters lose scheduled fights and the DAZN date is removed from the calendar.

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