Frank Warren has provided an update following Lawrence Okolie’s failed drugs test.
Okolie returned an adverse analytical finding in a VADA test days before his scheduled clash with Tony Yoka in Paris on Saturday.
The 33-year-old’s promoter, Warren has confirmed that he won’t fight on Saturday and the Queensberry boss is now scrambling to find a replacement, looking specifically at a British name to step in.
“It is very unsatisfactory,” Warren told talkSPORT.
“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’re 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.
“We’re all devastated by it.
“If we can’t find an opponent, we’ve got to consider postponing the show and that’s not fair on everybody.
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“He’s disappointed, we’re disappointed, this is not what we want.
“That is why we get these guys tested, so if there’s anything untoward, it gets detected and they’ve got to explain how the substance got into their system.”
Okolie was closing in on a heavyweight world title shot and was set to risk his number one position with the WBC against the Frenchman.
The Londoner has vowed to clear his name and hinted at a possible cause for the positive test result.
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) April 21, 2026
“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.”
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