Frank Warren has confirmed that a replacement opponent is being targeted for Tony Yoka after the adverse finding that has ruled Lawrence Okolie out of the heavyweight contest scheduled for Saturday evening.
Warren’s Queensberry Promotions revealed on Tuesday that the development emerged on Monday following a drugs test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
It has since been reported that the adverse finding was for GHRP 2 and its M8 metabolite. GHRP 2 is a synthetic substance that stimulates the body to release human growth hormone.
Warren, regardless, hopes to proceed with the date at the Adidas Arena in Paris, France, and by recruiting a British opponent to confront Paris’ Yoka.
Queensberry have promotional agreements with, among others, Yoka’s former amateur opponent Joe Joyce, Solomon Dacres, and David Adeleye. They had also previously agreed terms to promote a fight between Okolie and Richard Riakporhe.
“Under the circumstances he is immediately suspended,” Warren told Talksport. “He will have to deal with a hearing when they convene a hearing. It is very unsatisfactory.
“We are trying to find a replacement for Tony Yoka. I’m trying to find a British replacement.
“If we can’t find an opponent, we will have to consider postponing the show.”
Yoka, like Okolie, is 33 years old. He controversially was awarded a decision over Joyce at Rio 2016.
