David Adeleye says he is willing to replace Lawrence Okolie and face Tony Yoka on Saturday in Paris.
Okolie was scheduled to face Yoka in a heavyweight showdown this weekend, but ’The Sauce’ returned an adverse analytical finding in a VADA test and is now out of the bout.
Frank Warren, the promoter of the show, is scrambling to find an opponent to step in and is looking for a British name.
“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.”
Warren may have found a last-minute replacement, with British heavyweight, Adeleye willing to face the Frenchman if the money is right.
Asked by proboxing-fans.com if he’d be willing to step in on four days’ notice and fight Yoka, the 29-year-old replied: “All day.
“That’s why you got to stay fight ready at all times.
“Bag has got to be right though if they’re calling me this late.”
The Londoner hasn’t fought since a spirited defeat to Filip Hrgovic in Riyadh in August.
Prior to that loss, ‘Big D’ won the British heavyweight title with a sixth round stoppage of Jeamie TKV.
Okolie vowed to prove his innocence in a statement released on Tuesday.
“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp.
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“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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