Lawrence Okolie fails VADA test heading into Tony Yoka fight

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 16: Lawrence Okolie poses for a photo during the 'Undisputed' media workout at BOXPARK Wembley ahead of his WBC Silver Heavyweight title fight against Kevin Lerena on July 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Only a mere five days out from his upcoming bout against Tony Yoka, British heavyweight Lawrence Okolie has flunked a VADA test, as confirmed by his Queensberry promoter, leaving the fight in serious jeopardy of not happening.

“Last night [Monday], the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday,” Queensberry posted on X. “A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”

Okolie would immediately take to social media himself after the news broke, asking people to refrain from rushing to judgement and suggesting this adverse result may be due to treatment he’s been receiving on his elbow due to an injury he’s been working through.

“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 posted. “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.”

Obviously this is bad news for all involved, but we should have at least some indication as to what Queenberry will do in this matter in short order. As for Okolie, public sentiment likely will not be in his favor until there’s much more clarity as to what actually transpired here.