Lawrence Okolie has suggested that a bicep injury may have contributed to his recent failed drug test. The former cruiserweight and bridgerweight champion was set to face Tony Yoka in Paris as part of his heavyweight journey.
In a statement, Okolie’s promoter, Queensberry, revealed that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association had flagged an adverse finding in Okolie’s pre-fight test. Okolie, on social media, clarified that an elbow injury on the same arm after a previous bicep injury required treatment, expressing confidence in clearing his name through cooperation with authorities.
Okolie and Yoka, both participants in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, competed in different weight classes. While Okolie did not secure a medal in Rio, Yoka claimed gold in the super-heavyweight division. Okolie later became a cruiserweight world champion before transitioning to bridgerweight and then to heavyweight.
Ahead of his bout with Yoka, Okolie emphasized feeling at his physical peak in the heavyweight category, noting his comfort and strength. Reflecting on the upcoming fight, Okolie viewed it as his personal “Olympic gold medal fight” due to his past Olympic experience. He acknowledged Yoka’s skills but expressed confidence in his own momentum in the matchup.
Okolie’s journey through different weight divisions has been marked by victories, including claiming the WBC bridgerweight title. The upcoming fight with Yoka represents a significant opportunity for Okolie to continue his success in the heavyweight division.