In the wake of heavyweight Lawrence Okolie failing a doping test, promoter Frank Warren (pictured) issued the following statement on behalf of Queensberry, the promoter of this week's now-canceled Paris show: "[I am] completely gutted to have to cancel the show in Paris this weekend. Ourselves and the DAZN team in France worked incredibly hard to try to keep the show alive but ultimately it wasn’t possible. It’s a real shame for the fighters who worked hard in camp, the fans that bought tickets and our broadcast partner DAZN, but sadly it’s a situation none of us could have predicted. The French supporters have been marvellous and there’s clearly a real passion for boxing so we hope to have news for them soon."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
APRIL 21, 2026: Queensberry Promotions has just 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."
Completely gutted to have to cancel the show in Paris this weekend.
Ourselves and the DAZN team in France worked incredibly hard to try to keep the show alive but ultimately it wasn’t possible.
It’s a real shame for the fighters who worked hard in camp, the fans that bought tickets and our broadcast partner DAZN, but sadly it’s a situation none of us could have predicted.
The French supporters have been marvellous and there’s clearly a real passion for boxing so we hope to have news for them soon.
With the spotlight set for Atlanta on May 9th, Ra’eese Aleem is entering the biggest fight of his career with momentum, determination, and one clear objective—to leave as the new IBF featherweight world champion.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
APRIL 21, 2026: Queensberry Promotions has just 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."
