Tony Yoka is set to remain on the April 25 Paris card as promoters move quickly to secure a replacement opponent following the removal of Lawrence Okolie from the scheduled heavyweight main event.
Queensberry Promotions confirmed that Okolie has been ruled out after an adverse finding from a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test, with reports indicating the substance involved was GHRP-2 and its M8 metabolite. The synthetic compound is known to stimulate the release of human growth hormone. As a result, Okolie has been immediately suspended pending a hearing.
Promoter Frank Warren stated that efforts are underway to keep the event intact at the Adidas Arena by sourcing a British replacement opponent for Yoka. Names within Queensberry’s stable, including Joe Joyce, Solomon Dacres, and David Adeleye, are among the possible options being considered.
“Under the circumstances he is immediately suspended… it is very unsatisfactory,” Warren said, confirming that a hearing will determine the next steps in Okolie’s case. He added that if a suitable opponent cannot be secured in time, postponement of the entire show remains a possibility.
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