Lawrence Okolie has suggested that a bicep injury may have led to his recent failed drug test. The former cruiserweight and bridgerweight champion was set to face Tony Yoka in Paris, but his promoter, Queensberry, received notification from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association about an adverse finding in Okolie’s test.
Taking to social media, Okolie explained that he had suffered an elbow injury on the same arm as his previous bicep injury, which required treatment. He expressed confidence in cooperating with authorities to clear his name.
Okolie and Yoka both participated in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, with Yoka winning gold in the super-heavyweight category. Okolie, on the other hand, left empty-handed. Despite setbacks, Okolie became a world champion at cruiserweight before transitioning to bridgerweight and eventually to the heavyweight division.
In preparation for the fight with Yoka, Okolie emphasized feeling at his best and strongest at heavyweight. He viewed the bout as a significant opportunity, likening it to his chance at an Olympic gold medal fight. Okolie acknowledged Yoka’s skills but believed the momentum favored him in the upcoming match.