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British boxer Lawrence Okolie fails a drug test a few days before an significant heavyweight fight

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3 weeks ago

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Lawrence Okolie, a few days before his planned return to the ring, received an unfavorable drug test result.

Former cruiserweight and bridge world champion Okolie was scheduled to face Tony Yoka in Paris on Saturday evening to pursue his heavyweight ambitions.

However, a statement from his promoter, Queensberry, confirmed: “Last evening, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie has returned an unfavorable result following a pre-event anti-doping test conducted in Paris this Saturday. Further updates on the event will be provided in due course.”

Okolie and Yoka competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics, although in different weight classes. British fighter Okolie left Brazil without a medal, while Yoka won gold in the super heavyweight division, beating Joe Joyce in a controversial final. Okolie has since become world cruiserweight champion before suffering defeat to Chris Billam-Smith three years ago.

He then knocked out Łukasz Różański to win the slightly respected WBC bridgeweight title before moving up to boxing’s premier division. Okolie stopped his three previous opponents before agreeing to fight Frenchman Yoka on Saturday.

When the fight was announced, Okolie said: “At cruiserweight, it was tough for me to make weight, at bridgeweight, it was tough for me to make weight, and now at heavyweight, I feel as good as I can, at my strongest, most explosive, most comfortable. This fight is eight or nine weeks away, so I can get into really good shape. Right now, I feel my best.”

“I’ve seen him fight several times. We went to the same Olympic Games, so for me it’s also a chance. I’ve never won a fight for an Olympic gold medal, so for me this is my fight for an Olympic gold medal.

“When you see a good heavyweight, you think he could be an opponent. He’s a good fighter, he’s got a lot of experience, he’s boxed a lot of good fighters. As a professional, he hasn’t reached the level he could have been at, and I think the momentum is in my favor.”

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UK Boxing

A boxer found dismembered in a river just hours after his first professional fight

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2 hours ago

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May 13, 2026

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Just hours after losing his first professional fight, the juvenile boxer was found dismembered in a river. The remains of Yeiner Andres Gomez Sandoval, 28, were found in the river by fishermen and later identified by his mother based on his distinctive tattoos. A search is ongoing in the area as some of his body parts have not yet been found.

Yeiner lost his only professional fight to Leider Galvis in the main event of the WBA Future Champions Colombia at the Cuadrilatero gym in Barranquilla. He lost by unanimous points decision, his only loss from a total of seven fights. Five of his wins were by knockout.

He spent time with the mother and daughter after the fight and was last seen leaving his home in the Carrizal neighborhood of Barranquilla on Sunday afternoon, Mother’s Day in Colombia.

He was reported missing shortly thereafter, his family was unable to contact him, and his phone was turned off.

Yeiner’s remains were discovered the following afternoon in the Magdalena River, just outside the city of Barranquilla, Colombia.

His mother then identified him by a snake tattoo on his torso, a dragon’s head on his shoulder, his brother’s name on his neck, and a heart on his chest.

Coach Miguel Angel Guzman told Colombian media that he had no knowledge of any threats or personal problems that could explain his death.

Yeiner was viewed as an emerging prospect in his home country and was expected to have a promising career after turning professional.

Investigators are currently reconstructing his last movements and determining the cause of death. For now, they are unable to give him a proper burial because the rest of his remains have not yet been discovered.

His friends and family are calling for justice, although authorities have not yet presented any official hypotheses regarding the murder.

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UK Boxing

Karen Chukhadzhian vs. Paddy Donovan – how to watch it

Published

6 hours ago

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May 13, 2026

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In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

On Friday in Germany, Karen Chukhadzhian will face Paddy Donovan in the final eliminator of the IBF welterweight title.

Chukhadzyan (26-3, 14 KO) will face Donovan (14-2, 11 KO) at SAP-Arena in Manheim.

Chukhadzhian is hoping to take the next step in his fight for the IBF crown after previously failing to do so Jaron Ennis.

The Ukrainian has since won twice, capturing the IBF International and WBO International welterweight titles.

Donovan also sees another crack in the IBF belt after losing a split decision to Lewis Crocker in September.

The 27-year-old Irishman suffered a second straight defeat to Crocker after a controversial disqualification six months earlier.

In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Chukhadzhian vs Donovan – date, place, start time and ring walk
  • The pair will fight on Friday, May 15 live from the SAP-Arena in Manheim, Germany
  • Broadcast will start at 20:05 BST / 21:05 CET / 15:05 ET / 23:05 PT
  • The main event will start around 22:00 BST / 23:00 CET / 17:00 ET / 14:00 PT
Chukhadzhian vs. Donovan – how to watch
  • The card can be watched live worldwide on DAZN
Chukhadzhian has won two in a row since losing to Ennis. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Chukhadzhian has won two in a row since losing to Ennis. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Chukhadzhian vs. Donovan – last three fights

Karen Chukhadjian

  • Karen Chukhadzhian bt Joel Marcos Mafauad – TKO in the 2nd round
  • Karen Chukhadzhian bt Cristian Javier Ayala – unanimous decision
  • Jaron Ennis bt Karen Chukhadjian – unanimous decision

Paddy Donovan

  • Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan – split decision
  • Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan – defeat in the 8th round
  • Paddy Donovan vs. Lewis Ritson – TKO in the 9th round
Chukhadzhian vs Donovan – Undercard
  • Emanuel Odiase (10-0, 8 KO) vs Nick Webb (19-3, 15 KO) – IBF European heavyweight title (10 rounds)
  • Peter Kadiru (22-1, 13 KO) vs. Senad Gashi (34-4, 32 KO) – heavyweight (10 rounds)
  • Devrim Goekduman (13-0, 8 KO) vs. Franklyn Dwomoh (9-0, 2 KO) – IBF European lightweight title (10 rounds)
  • Alexander Okafor (3-0, 2 KO) vs. Elijah Uelkuseven (8-0, 6 KO) – German cruiserweight title (10 rounds)
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  • Viktor Jurk (13-0, 11 KO) vs. Edwin Castillo (13-2, 8 KO) – heavyweight (8 rounds)
  • Oluwole Jan Ciosek (4-0, 2 KO) vs. Shae Green (9-1-1, 2 KO) – middleweight (6 rounds)
  • Nelvie Tiafack (3-0, 3 KO) vs. Mateus Munhoz Da Penha (7-2-2, 3 KO) – heavyweight (6 rounds)
  • Edmon Avagyan (0-0) vs. Patrik Fiala (13-7-2, 8 KO) – cruiserweight (4 rounds)

The post Karen Chukhadzhian vs. Paddy Donovan – how to watch it appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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UK Boxing

Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic – Odds and Betting Guide

Published

1 day ago

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May 12, 2026

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Filip Hrgovic vs Dave Allen in Doncaster on Saturday live on DAZN Photo: Queensberry

Dave Allen is a significant underdog against Filip Hrgovic this Saturday.

Allen will face Hrgovic in a return clash for the vacant IBF Intercontinental heavyweight title at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, live on DAZN.

“The White Rhino” has won two of the last five competitions and is a 5/1 underdog Bet365 to get rid of nervousness.

The 34-year-old returned to form Arslanbek Makhmudov defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov by unanimous decision in October last year, after a first-round stoppage over Karim Berredjem in February, and his best chance of victory is seen at the distance of 10/1.

Only five of the Doncaster favorite’s victories have resulted in points, with another decision victory being valued at 14/1.

Filip Hrgovic vs Dave Allen in Doncaster on Saturday live on DAZN Photo: Queensberry

Hrgovic has only one defeat to Daniel Dubois and is a 1:9 favorite Bet365 to say goodbye to Allen.

The 33-year-old has not recorded a knockout victory since 2023, but is expected to do so here on August 11.

“El Animal” defeated David Adeleye via unanimous decision last August and the points win is valued at 13/8.

Adeleye was beaten by Hrgovic in Riyad. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry
Adeleye was beaten by Hrgovic in Riyad. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
  • Dave Allen to win the fight: 5/1
  • Dave Allen by KO/TKO/DQ: 10/1
  • Dave Allen by decision or technical: 14/1
  • Filip Hrgovic will win the fight: 1/9
  • Filip Hrgović by KO/TKO/DQ: 8/11
  • Filip Hrgovic by decision or technical decision: 8.13
  • Draw or technical draw: 20/1
Arslanbek Makhmudov proved too strong for Dave Allen in Sheffield. Photo credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Arslanbek Makhmudov proved too forceful for Dave Allen in Sheffield. Photo credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Round bets

Dave Allen

  • Win in round 1: 100/1
  • Win in round 2: 100/1
  • Win in round 3: 100/1
  • To win in round 4: 80/1
  • Win in round 5: 80/1
  • To win in round 6: 66/1
  • To win in round 7: 66/1
  • To win in round 8: 66/1
  • To win round 9: 66/1
  • To win in round 10: 80/1
  • To win by decision or technical decision: 14/1

Filip Hrgovic

  • To win round 1: 28/1
  • To win in round 2: 20/1
  • Win in round 3: 16/1
  • To win in round 4: 14/1
  • To win in round 5: 1/11
  • To win in round 6: 10/1
  • To win in round 7: 10/1
  • To win in round 8: 10/1
  • To win in round 9: 1/11
  • To win in round 10: 14/1
  • To win by decision or technical decision: 8.13

The post Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic – Odds and Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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