Lawrence Okolie has attributed his failed drug test to treatment for a bicep injury. The former cruiserweight and bridgerweight champion was set to face Tony Yoka in Paris as part of his transition to the heavyweight division.
A statement from his promoter revealed that Lawrence Okolie tested positive following an anti-doping test before the scheduled match in Paris. Okolie took to social media to explain that an elbow injury on the same arm, following a previous bicep injury, led to the treatment that caused the adverse finding. He expressed confidence that any investigation would clear his name.
Okolie and Yoka both competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics in different weight categories. While Yoka won gold, Okolie left empty-handed. Okolie later became a cruiserweight world champion before moving up to bridgerweight, where he secured the WBC belt. He then transitioned to the heavyweight division, where he had been successful in recent bouts.
Reflecting on his upcoming fight with Yoka, Okolie stated that he feels at his best and strongest in the heavyweight division. He sees the opportunity to face Yoka as his chance to achieve the success he missed out on during the Olympics. Okolie acknowledged Yoka’s skills but believes the momentum is in his favor for the upcoming fight.
