The highly anticipated heavyweight boxing match between British contender Lawrence Okolie and France's Tony Yoka, scheduled for this Saturday in Paris, has been cancelled following an adverse finding from a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) drugs test.

Queensberry Promotions confirmed the cancellation, revealing that VADA informed them of Okolie's failed test on Monday, just five days prior to the planned bout.

Despite efforts to secure a replacement fighter for Okolie, the entire fight card was ultimately called off.

Lawrence Okolie, a Former Cruiserweight World Champion with a professional record of 23 wins and 1 loss (17 KOs), was set to face Yoka, a 2016 Olympic gold medallist boasting a record of 15-3 (12 KOs).

Both boxers were entering the event on the heels of victories in Nigeria in December, setting the stage for what was expected to be a crucial clash in the heavyweight division.

Following the announcement by Queensberry, Okolie took to Instagram to issue a statement addressing the situation.

He explained that he sustained an elbow injury on the same arm that suffered a bicep injury last year, indicating that he had received treatment for the elbow during his training camp.

Okolie expressed his hope that "sense prevails" and affirmed his commitment to fully cooperate with all relevant authorities.

He conveyed confidence that any investigation would ultimately clear his name, concluding that he would not make any further comments at that time.

This cancellation represents a significant setback for Okolie, who is currently ranked as the WBC's No. 1 heavyweight Contender, positioning him directly behind champion Oleksandr Usyk and interim title holder Agit Kabayel.

A victory against Yoka could have propelled him further, potentially putting him in line for a mandatory world title shot later in the year.

The adverse finding and subsequent cancellation have cast a shadow over his immediate championship aspirations.