The WBC will take no disciplinary action against heavyweight Lawrence Okolie for testing positive for a banned, performance-enhancing substance in April. The WBC accepted Okolie's claim that "the prohibited substance entered his system as a result of the actions of a third party." The positive test caused Okolie's bout vs. Tony Yoka to be cancelled by Queensberry Promotions, and neither man has fought since then. According to The Times of London and the New York Times, Okolie tested positive for a GHRP 2, a synthetic growth hormone that releases a peptide known to help muscle recovery, increase muscle mass and assist in fat loss. Okolie still has not been cleared to fight by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) or the British Board of Boxing Control.
On Friday, the WBC announced an "Adjudication Agreement" with Okolie regarding the former cruiserweight and bridgerweight champion's adverse analytical finding under the WBC Clean Boxing Program. The WBC says it conducted a "thorough and detailed review of the nature of the substance and the circumstances of the adverse finding. Throughout the process, Mr. Okolie fully cooperated with the WBC review and provided mitigating evidence supporting his position that the prohibited substance entered his system as a result of the actions of a third party, without his knowledge or consent. In reaching the agreed resolution, the WBC took into consideration this mitigating evidence, along with Mr. Okolie's impeccable evidence record and his cooperation throughout the process."
The WBC press release contained the following statement from Okolie: "Clean sport has always been extremely important to me. I have fully cooperated throughout the entire process and remain committed to the highest standards of integrity in boxing. I look forward to the next chapter of my career and to being actively involved in the sport again in the coming months, while using this experience to help educate other athletes about the importance of understanding and monitoring everything that goes into their bodies."
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán stated:"The WBC Clean Boxing Program exists to protect athletes and the integrity of our sport. We appreciate Mr. Okolie's cooperation throughout this process and commend his commitment to helping educate fighters about anti-doping compliance and athlete responsibility. As part of the agreed resolution, Mr. Okolie will remain available for further testing and to work with the WBC in support of education, awareness, and compliance with anti-doping requirements among professional and amateur boxers."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
APRIL 21, 2026: Queensberry Promotions revealed that "the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has informed Queensberry that heavyweight Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following ant anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris [scheduled for] this Saturday. A further update regarding the event will be made in due course." A few hours later, Queensberry announced that "Due to circumstances outside of our control, Queensberry and DAZN have regrettably made the decision to cancel this Saturday's scheduled event in Paris. For refunds, please contact your ticket [vendor]." Okolie, who has held world titles at cruiserweight and bridgerweight, was set to fight former Olympic champion Tony Yoka in Yoka's hometown this weekend.
Okolie posted the following statement on his Instagram account: "Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp. 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."
