The heavyweight headliner between Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka has been officially canceled.
The news of the bout set to take place at the Adidas Arena in Paris, France fell into doubt earlier today following a statement from the promoter of the event, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, that revealed Okolie had returned an “adverse finding” for performance enhancing substances.
Queensberry have now cancelled the whole card set to broadcast on DAZN, announcing the move on their social media channels: “Due to circumstances outside out control, Queensberry and DAZN have regrettably made the decision to cancel this Saturday’s scheduled event in Paris. For refunds, please contact your ticket purchaser.”
Okolie (23-1, 17 KOs) is the number one ranked heavyweight with the WBC behind Agit Kabayel and Oleksandr Usyk. The Englishman released his own statement shortly after thew news broke of his adverse finding.
“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” Okolie said via his Instagram account. “I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails.
“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”
