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Lawrence Okolie vs Tony Yoka canceled after drug test failure
TL;DR
The heavyweight fight between Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka has been canceled after Okolie failed a drug test. The decision to cancel the event was made by Queensberry Promotions due to circumstances beyond their control.
Key points
- Lawrence Okolie failed a VADA drug test
- Fight between Okolie and Tony Yoka canceled
- Queensberry Promotions made the cancellation decision
- Tony Yoka's career impacted by the cancellation
- Okolie's record is 23-1, Yoka's is 15-3
Lawrence OkolieTony Yoka
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Lawrence Okolie poses for a photo with the title belt following victory over Kevin Lerena in their WBC Silver heavyweight title fight on the 'Undisputed' fight night card at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Saturday’s planned heavyweight fight in Paris between Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka is officially off.
Okolie returned adverse findings on a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) drug test ahead of the bout, and Queensberry say they’ve “regrettably made the decision to cancel” the entire event, “due to circumstances outside of our control.”
This leaves Yoka (15-3, 12 KO) without a fight, which is a tough situation for the 33-year-old former Olympic gold medalist, because a win on Saturday over Okolie (23-1, 17 KO) could have gotten him back into the heavyweight mix a little more, boxing being a “what have you done lately?” sort of sport. It was a chance for Yoka and Okolie both, and a payday, too, down the drain because of Okolie’s situation.
Okolie, 33, says the adverse findings may be a result of treatment to deal with an elbow injury. We’ll still need to hear more from VADA to have a clear idea of what went down here.
DAZN will still have live boxing on Saturday afternoon (U.S. time), as super middleweight contender Jacob Bank returns in Denmark to face Paulinus Ndjolonimu.
Q&A
Why was the Lawrence Okolie vs Tony Yoka fight canceled?
The fight was canceled because Lawrence Okolie returned adverse findings on a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) drug test.
What are the records of Lawrence Okolie and Tony Yoka?
Lawrence Okolie has a record of 23 wins and 1 loss, while Tony Yoka has 15 wins and 3 losses.
What impact does the cancellation have on Tony Yoka's career?
The cancellation leaves Tony Yoka without a fight, which could hinder his chances of re-entering the heavyweight mix after a potential win over Okolie.
