Lawrence Okolie tests positive for banned substance prior to matchup with Tony Yoka

British heavyweight Lawrence Okolie has tested positive in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) drugs examination, just five days before his planned match against Tony Yoka, as confirmed by Queensberry Promotions.

Okolie (23-1, 17 KOs) was set to face French fighter Yoka (15-3, 12 KOs) in Paris on Saturday, but the bout is now in significant jeopardy.

Queensberry, led by Frank Warren, announced the information on Tuesday.

“Last night [Monday], the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) notified Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie had an adverse result from an anti-doping test conducted in advance of the event in Paris this Saturday,” the statement read.

“A further update regarding the event will be provided in due course.”

Former cruiserweight world champion Okolie was aiming for a notable victory in Paris against 2016 Olympic gold medalist Yoka.

In response to Queensberry’s announcement, the Brit shared on Instagram: “Before anyone starts to worry, following my bicep injury last year, I suffered an elbow injury on the same arm during this training camp. I received treatment for it, and now we are in this situation. I genuinely hope that reason prevails.

“I will, of course, fully cooperate with all relevant authorities, and I am confident that any investigation will exonerate me.

“I will not be making any additional comments at this moment. Thank you for all your support, and I look forward to seeing you soon.”

Both Okolie and Yoka were coming off wins in Nigeria in December. The Brit is currently the WBC’s No. 1 ranked heavyweight contender, positioned behind champion Oleksandr Usyk and interim title holder Agit Kabayel.

A victory against Yoka could have positioned him for a mandatory title shot later in the year.