Lawrence Okolie fails drug test, bout vs. Tony Yoka canceled

Field Level Media|published: Tue 21st April, 12:12 2026

Aug 6, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lawrence Okolie (GBR, red) reacts after defeating Igor Pawel Akubowski (POL, blue) in their men's heavy preliminary bout at Riocentro - Pavilion 6 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-Imagn Images

British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has failed a drug test, forcing the cancellation of his bout Saturday in Paris against 2016 Olympic champion Tony Yoka of France.

The Times of London reported the substance discovered in his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test was GHRP 2, which is designed to increase the body's own growth hormone production. It can aid in recovery, increase muscle mass and also assist in fat loss.

"(On Monday night), 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," fight promoter Queensberry posted on X. "A further update regarding the event will be made in due course."

Okolie, 33, didn't waste much time posting on social media himself.

"Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp," he posted on Instagram, along with a picture of his elbow. "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."

--Field Level Media

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