A sudden VADA finding has turned the road to Paris into doubt, but Okolie has mounted a defense; Yankee Scores reports…

Boxer Lawrence Okolie tested positive for doping ahead of his bout with Tony Yoka.

Parisian Showdown in Limbo

The former two-time world champion was supposed to face off against Yoka in Paris’ Adidas Arena on Saturday.

However, things look uncertain after the promoters announced that there might be some trouble with the bout.

Queensberry promotions said on X on Tuesday morning: “Last night, 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.

“A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”

Medical Treatment or Misconduct?

Okolie has taken to his social media account to defend himself: “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: “I will of course be fully co-operating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear name.

“I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

What’s on the Line

This bout was meant to be a crucial moment for both boxers. Okolie is currently the WBO’s No.1 contender. He was looking to improve his credentials toward a world title shot against Ukranian Oleksandr Usyk.

Yoka is the 2016 Olympic gold medalist. The fight was to earn him a chance to reclaim his standing in the division after a rough few year. The potential bout cancellation serves as a massive setback for the division’s 2026 landscape.

Deja Vu for Yoka

Yoka is not new to Okolie’s situation. In July 2018, the French Anti-Doping Agency banned him for one year because of missing three drug tests between July 2016 and July 2017. His appeal against the ruling was rejected by the French Council of State in August 2018.