Queensberry cancel entire event following Lawrence Okolie's adverse findings

Queensberry cancel Paris show after drugs test saga

WBC Silver heavyweight champion champion Lawrence Okolie (23-1, 17 KOs) was all set to defend his title to Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka (15-3, 12 KOs) in Paris, France, this Saturday, April 25, but was withdrawn from the contest following an adverse finding.

The clash of the two Rio 2016 Olympians has now been cancelled, but promoter Frank Warren was hopeful of finding a replacement from the UK, with the likes of David Adeleye accepting the challenge instantly.

However, the entire event has been called off instead, due to Yoka's star appeal in his home country - the majority of tickets sold would have been to fans wishing to see him only. The history-making French boxer has been headlining shows since his pro debut in 2017.

Queensberry Promotions released the following statement: "Due to circumstances beyond our control, Queensberry and DAZN have regrettably made the decision to cancel this Saturday's event in Paris. For  refunds, please contact your ticker purchaser."

33-year-old Londoner Okolie returned an adverse analytical finding for a Human Growth Hormone in his VADA doping test. The former WBO world cruiserweight champion's A-sample was flagged up for GHRP 2 and it's M8 metabolite, which is used to increase muscle mass, improve recovery and encourage fat loss.

Both boxers were in the Rio 2016 Olympics; Okolie was eliminated at the Round of 16, whereas Yoka defeated Filip Hrgović in the semi-final then Joe Joyce next to become the first-ever Olympic super-heavyweight from France.

Each of the heavyweights were confident after a four-fight winning streak, making their match-up a potentially close and intriguing one.

Okolie posted a short statement on his socials yesterday, offering a brief explanation: "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.

"I will, of course, be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities, and I'm confident and 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."

74-year-old London promoter Warren initially held out hope of keeping the show alive with a stand-in opponent, but it wasn't to be. He had told TalkSport, "It is very unsatisfactory, but it is what it is and we've got to get on with it and make sure we run a show and that's what we are trying to do at the moment and find an opponent for Tony Yoka. I'm trying to find a British fighter to get in there."

Things you didn’t know about Lawrence Okolie

Things you didn’t know about Tony Yoka