Connect with us

UK Boxing

Lawrence Okolie failed a drug test, meaning the entire Paris event was canceled due to fight card being thrown out

Published

3 weeks ago

on

Queensberry Promotions has confirmed that the fight headlined by Lawrence Okolie has been canceled due to a failed drug test. The 33-year-old was scheduled to fight Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in Paris on Saturday, but the fight was canceled after the heavyweight fighter presented an unfavorable assessment by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).

Okolie wanted to stun the Frenchman on home soil to secure three heavyweight victories and push him towards contention for world titles. However, days before the event, the fight was forced to be canceled due to test results, leading to the entire card being scrapped. “The Sauce” has vowed to clear its name and says it will fully cooperate with the investigation following the news that broke on Tuesday (April 21).

As a result of this arrangement, the co-main event between Bakary Samake and Ermal Hadribeaj was also canceled. In a statement, the boxing organization said: “For reasons beyond our control, Queensberry and DAZN have regretfully decided to cancel the gala in Paris scheduled for Saturday.”

Okolie has won each of his last four fights after losing to Chris Billiam-Smith in a British superfight at the Vitality Stadium, home of Premier League side Bournemouth. The 33-year-old posted on Instagram following the news regarding his fight, wishing to deny any foul play.

He said: “Before anyone starts imagining the worst, after last year’s biceps injury, I suffered an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp. I underwent treatment and now here we are. I really hope common sense prevails.”

“I will of course cooperate fully with all relevant authorities and I am confident that any investigation will clear my name. I will not be making any further comments at this time. Thank you for all your support and I will see you soon.”

Okolie had several of the division’s top fighters in his sights after a knockout victory over Ebenezer Tetteh in December, citing feared prospect Moses Itauma. The Sauce defeated Ghanian in two rounds, after knocking out and firing shots at the 21-year-old.

Frank Warren confirmed to talkSPORT that Okolie has been suspended following unfavorable findings. It is said that attempts were made to find a replacement, but a deal could not be reached in the days before the fight.

The promoter said: “Under the circumstances he is suspended immediately. He will face a hearing when the hearing is called. This is very unsatisfactory.”

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

UK Boxing

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

Published

2 hours ago

on

May 13, 2026

By

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.

Continue Reading

UK Boxing

Karen Chukhadzhian vs. Paddy Donovan – how to watch it

Published

6 hours ago

on

May 13, 2026

By

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)
See this post on Instagram

Post shared by Nick Webb 👊 (@itsanickting)

  • 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.

Continue Reading

UK Boxing

Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic – Odds and Betting Guide

Published

1 day ago

on

May 12, 2026

By

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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending