Queensberry Promotions confirmed the development and said an update would follow on the card, with Yoka now left without an opponent days out from fight night.
“Last night the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie had returned a negative finding following an anti-doping test carried out prior to the show in Paris this Saturday,” the promoter said.
The fight was positioned as a key step for both heavyweights, with Okolie moving forward in a new division and Yoka looking to secure a statement win on home soil.
Okolie addressed the situation in a statement posted on Instagram, referring to a recent injury and treatment during camp.
“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, after my bicep injury last year, I suffered an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” Okolie said. “I had treatment for it and now here we are. I really hope sense prevails.”
He added that he will cooperate with the process as the case develops.
“I will of course cooperate fully with all relevant authorities and I am confident that any investigation will clear my name.”
Queensberry has yet to confirm a replacement opponent for Yoka, with the card still set to go ahead in Paris.
Yoka now faces uncertainty over the opponent, while Okolie’s next move depends on the outcome of the process linked to the test result.
