Okolie fails anti-doping test ahead of heavyweight clash with Yoka

British heavyweight Lawrence Okolie has failed an anti-doping test just weeks before his highly anticipated bout against former Olympic champion Tony Yoka, throwing the May fight into doubt.

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The 31-year-old Londoner, who holds a 19-1 record with 14 knockouts, was informed of the adverse finding during routine testing conducted by the UK Anti-Doping Agency last month. The specific substance detected has not yet been disclosed publicly.

Okolie's management team issued a statement expressing "surprise and disappointment" at the result, insisting the fighter has "never knowingly taken any prohibited substance." They have requested an urgent review of the findings and are cooperating fully with the investigation.

The fight, scheduled for May 15 at the O2 Arena in London, was set to be one of the biggest domestic heavyweight matchups of the year. Yoka, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist from France, has been hoping to resurrect his career following two consecutive defeats.

British Boxing Board of Control officials confirmed they are monitoring the situation closely. A spokesperson stated that all protocols would be followed before any decision regarding the fight's status is made.

Okolie captured the British heavyweight title in 2021 but suffered a devastating knockout loss to David Adeleke two years later. He returned to winning ways with a points victory in his most recent bout last December. The timing of this anti-doping failure could not be worse for a fighter looking to rebuild his reputation on the big stage.