Lawrence Okolie will not be replaced as Tony Yoka’s opponent, and the co-promotion of Queensberry Promotions and Francois Samake that was scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled.
England’s Okolie and Yoka, of Paris, France, were to fight at heavyweight at the Adidas Arena in the French Capital until Okolie returned an adverse finding from 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.
Queensberry’s Frank Warren, the most influential promoter in the heavyweight division, insisted on Tuesday that he was seeking an alternative British opponent to confront Yoka, like Okolie 33 years old.
The decision has regardless been taken to cancel it entirely, Queensberry have instead confirmed.
“Due to circumstances outside of our control, Queensberry and DAZN have regrettably made the decision to cancel this Saturday’s scheduled event in Paris.
“For refunds, please contact your ticket purchaser.”
Okolie, who trains out of Manchester, England under Joe Gallagher, had by then posted on social media: “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 any 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.”
Queensberry had first said in a statement on Tuesday morning: “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.”
