British boxer Lawrence Okolie has suggested that his bicep injury treatment could be the reason behind his recent failed drug test. The former cruiserweight and bridgerweight champion was set to face Tony Yoka in Paris in a heavyweight bout.
In a statement released by his promoter Queensberry, it was revealed that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) flagged an adverse finding in Okolie’s anti-doping test conducted before the Paris event. Okolie addressed the situation on social media, explaining that he had an elbow injury on the same arm where he previously suffered a bicep injury. He expressed confidence in cooperating with authorities to clear his name.
Okolie and Yoka both competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics in different weight categories. While Yoka clinched a gold medal, Okolie left without a medal. Okolie later became a world champion at cruiserweight before moving up to bridgerweight. He then transitioned to the heavyweight division, where he was scheduled to fight Yoka.
Reflecting on his career progression, Okolie noted the challenges of maintaining weight at lower divisions and expressed feeling at his best in the heavyweight category. He viewed the upcoming fight with Yoka as a significant opportunity and highlighted his confidence in facing his opponent.
The bout between Okolie and Yoka was highly anticipated, with Okolie emphasizing his readiness and determination to excel in the heavyweight division.