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DAZN Loses Heavyweight Fight After Adverse Findings In PED Test
TL;DR
DAZN has canceled the Lawrence Okolie vs. Tony Yoka boxing match due to adverse findings in a PED test. Okolie is provisionally suspended, leading to the cancellation of the entire 7-fight card.
Key points
- DAZN canceled the boxing match between Okolie and Yoka
- Adverse findings in a PED test led to the cancellation
- Okolie is provisionally suspended
- The fight was set to take place in Paris, France
- The entire 7-fight card was called off
Mentioned in this story
DAZNAdidas ArenaParis
Lawrence OkolieTony Yoka
FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY - APRIL 19: DAZN logo shown on a microphone prior to the Bundesliga match between SC Freiburg and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at Europa-Park Stadion on April 19, 2026 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
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The upcoming weekend was set to feature two boxing cards on DAZN, but now there will only be one. The Lawrence Okolie vs. Tony Yoka card that was originally set to take place at the Adidas Arena in Paris, France has been canceled.
The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association administered PED testing for the fight and informed Queensberry of an adverse finding in Okolie's sample. Okolie has been provisionally suspended and the entire 7-fight card was called off.
Okolie took to Instagram to address the situation.
"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. 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."
What Does This Mean For Okolie and Yoka?
It's a major setback for both men. Okolie has looked dominant since moving up to heavyweight in 2024. He'd have loved to get a win over Yoka to push him closer to a major payday and perhaps a title opportunity. Yoka was a bright prospect coming out of the 2016 Olympics, but he hit a three-fight losing streak in 2022-23. He'd rebounded with four wins in a row and this fight with Okolie could have been huge for him.
Okolie holds the WBC’s No. 1 heavyweight ranking behind champion Oleksandr Usyk and interim title holder Agit Kabayel. A win over Yoka could have positioned him for a mandatory title fight later this year. Now, with a provisional suspension and a VADA case under review, that timeline is in serious jeopardy.
Q&A
Why was the Lawrence Okolie vs. Tony Yoka fight canceled?
The fight was canceled due to adverse findings in a PED test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
What are the consequences for Lawrence Okolie after the PED test results?
Lawrence Okolie has been provisionally suspended following the adverse findings in his PED test.
What was the location of the canceled boxing match between Okolie and Yoka?
The match was originally scheduled to take place at the Adidas Arena in Paris, France.
How many fights were affected by the cancellation of the Okolie vs. Yoka card?
The cancellation affected the entire 7-fight card that was planned for the event.
