WHY LAWRENCE OKOLIE’S HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH WITH TONY YOKA FACES SUDDEN CANCELLATION
Lawrence Okolie returns an adverse finding on a VADA test. We break down the fight cancellation, injury explanation, and the fallout.
Lawrence Okolie, the former cruiserweight world champion, was set to face Tony Yoka in Paris this past Saturday as part of his ongoing move into the heavyweight division. However, things took a turn when the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) notified his promoter, Queensberry, about an adverse finding from a recent drug test conducted ahead of the event. Queensberry stated that further details about the situation and the fight would be released in due time.
In response, Okolie took to social media to explain the circumstances surrounding the test. He mentioned that after dealing with a bicep injury last year, he sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this training camp. He had undergone treatment for it, which he suggests might be related to the test results. Okolie expressed hope that reason would prevail and assured that he would fully cooperate with any investigations, confident they would eventually clear his name. At this moment, he chose not to comment further but thanked his supporters and promised to return soon.
Looking back, Okolie and Yoka both competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics, though in different weight categories. While Okolie didn’t secure a medal, Yoka won gold in the super-heavyweight division, beating Joe Joyce in a final that sparked some controversy. Okolie went on to claim the world cruiserweight title before losing to Chris Billam-Smith three years ago. Afterwards, he captured the WBC bantamweight title with a knockout against Lukasz Rozanski, a belt that doesn't carry much prestige, before moving up to heavyweight. Before the planned bout with Yoka, Okolie had stopped his previous three opponents.
When the fight was first announced, Okolie reflected on his progression through the weight classes. He found it tough to make weight at cruiserweight and bridgerweight, but at heavyweight, he feels stronger, more explosive, and comfortable. With the fight about eight or nine weeks away, he was confident he could get into great shape. Candidly, he called this opportunity his Olympic gold medal fight, since he never had the chance to win one at the actual Games. He acknowledged Yoka’s experience and skill but believed the momentum was shifting in his favour, implying he’s ready to take things to the next level in his heavyweight journey.
DISCOVER: WILL XANDER ZAYAS RETIRE IF HE LOSES TO JARON ENNIS IN NEW YORK?
Xander Zayas vs Jaron Boots Ennis, Barclays Centre boxing, June 2026, Zayas vs Ennis tickets
Xander Zayas and Jaron "Boots" Ennis are about to clash in what’s shaping up to be one of the biggest U.S. boxing matches this summer.
Zayas puts his unified WBA and WBO super welterweight titles on the line against Ennis, the former WBA and IBF welterweight champ. Ennis is making a run at world titles in a second weight class, which just adds another layer to this fight.
Ennis was originally set to face Vergil Ortiz Jr. That matchup had everyone talking, but things fell apart over a purse dispute. Ortiz Jr's manager, Ricky Mirigan, wasn’t happy with the offer, and drama erupted when Ortiz Jr sued his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, claiming breach of contract and “interference with economic advantage". De La Hoya fired back, countersuing Mirigan for allegedly meddling with Ortiz Jr.’s contract behind the scenes. With lawsuits flying, the fight crumbled, and Ennis moved on. Now he’s set to face Zayas for two of the four major belts in the division.
Zayas and Ennis meet on Saturday, June 27, at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York. Expect the main event ring walks around 10 p.m. EDT, which is 3 a.m. GMT for UK fans tuning in overnight.
The undercard details are still a mystery, but we do know Ben Whittaker is making his first U.S. appearance on the show.
Both fighters aren’t shy about their ambitions. Zayas said, “It’s always been about legacy – becoming the youngest world champion at 22, the youngest unified champ, and now taking on one of the best in my division. Anyone can chase easy wins, but I want to fight the best. I want to prove I’m the best every time I get in the ring. That’s exactly what I’m going to do on June 27.”
Ennis didn’t hold back, either: “I think Xander’s bitten off way more than he can chew. Come fight night, he’ll figure that out. I’m going to show everyone I’m the best in the world. Watching me is one thing, but once you’re in the ring, it’s a whole different story. I’m faster than he thinks and stronger, and I have a better boxing IQ. He’s in for a long night.”
MANNY PACQUIAO BELIEVES HIS ELITE SPEED WOULD HAVE EASILY DISMANTLED ERROL SPENCE JR.
Manny Pacquiao reveals why he would have "easily beaten" Errol Spence Jr. and shares the secret to his 8-division success.
Manny Pacquiao didn’t need much time to give his take on a fantasy matchup with Errol Spence Jr. If their rumoured 2021 fight actually happened, Pacquiao says he knows how it would have played out.
Back then, Spence was already a big deal. He was a unified welterweight champ, a local hero in Texas, and he’d built up hype with Dallas Cowboys players and musicians. Undefeated, 27 wins with 21 knockouts. His star was on the rise in the US, and Pacquiao was the perfect name to take him to that next level, just like when Pacquiao beat Oscar de la Hoya and launched his own pay-per-view takeover.
But Pacquiao saw things differently. “I wanted to fight him because I know I can easily beat him,” he told ‘Inside The Ring’ on DAZN.
At that point, Pacquiao had fought 71 times. He’d done it all. Titles, wars, all of it. But he was quick to say he wouldn’t be the ageing de la Hoya in this story.
If he had beaten Spence, it would have been thanks to his speed. “It’s not about strength or how strong the punch is. It’s about skills and abilities in the ring and how you move. That’s boxing. That’s the secret to being an eight-division champion,” Pacquiao explained.
In reality, Pacquiao ended up fighting Yordenis Ugas instead, and it didn’t go well. He lost badly. Fans saw him days later, face swollen shut, being spoon-fed by his wife, Jinkee. After almost four years out, he came back in 2025 and nearly beat Mario Barrios, settling for a controversial majority draw.
Spence, on the other hand, bounced back to beat Ugas with a 10th-round stoppage but got knocked out by Terence Crawford in the ninth round in 2023. He hasn’t fought since, but he keeps getting linked to a summer fight with Tim Tszyu.
Last we heard, Spence was still undecided. He says he’ll only return if the right fight comes along.
