Dacres & Anderson were set to clash on the undercard of Fabio Wardley’s first world title defence against Daniel Dubois on May 9.

‘Big Baby’ looks to continue building momentum after his first career loss in 2024.

After a stellar start to his professional journey with 17 impressive wins, Anderson took a big risk facing Martin Bakole in Los Angeles.

That step up didn’t go to plan, with Bakole stopping the American in the fifth round.

The American has been forced to withdraw from the contest a couple of weeks out following an injury sustained in camp.

Anderson reportedly suffered a torn bicep, and the news was first reported by reporter Chris Mannix on the broadcast of Jarrell Miller’s win over Lenier Pero in Las Vegas.

Anderson, 26 years old, recently signed a co-promotional deal with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, adding to his existing relationship with Top Rank, whom he has fought for since his professional debut in 2019.

He last fought in a 10-round decision victory over Marios Kollias back in February 2025, over 14 months ago.

No further updates have been provided regarding the fight possibly being rescheduled as of yet.

For Dacres, this would’ve been his first fight since an impressive decision victory over Vladyslav Sirenko.

Both Dacres and Anderson have just one defeat to their name, and a fight between the pair would prove to be a great indicator of where each man is in their respective careers.

Dacres’ only loss came in the first round against David Adeleye in 2024, and he has also fought just once since that defeat.

Despite the Anderson-Dacres fight being scrapped, the event in Manchester will still go ahead as planned, with Fabio Wardley defending his WBO heavyweight crown for the first time after picking up the title following a stoppage win over Joseph Parker.

Wardley remains unbeaten and faces someone with a matching incredible knockout ratio of 95% in Daniel Dubois.

Dubois heads straight into another world title shot after being stopped by Oleksandr Usyk in July last year.

Wardley vs Dubois should be an epic showdown, with the pair showing off incredible knockout ability throughout their careers. The man from Ipswich has stoppage wins over Justis Huni, Frazer Clarke & Joseph Parker, while Daniel Dubois has stopped Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, so a stoppage seems the most likely conclusion to the main event.

The post Jarred Anderson vs Solomon Dacres cancelled after injury appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Wilder & Miller have exchanged verbals over the years and Hearn believes now may be the perfect time for the pair to face off.

‘Big Baby’ returned to the ring for the first time since his tight points win over Ivan Dychko on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford.

He faced unbeaten Lenier Pero in a final eliminator for the WBA world title.

#MillerPero live on DAZN pic.twitter.com/xNdaB4zfzR

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 26, 2026

Over 12 rounds, Miller proved he still has a lot to offer and can really cause problems for the sport’s biggest stars like Deontay Wilder.

Hearn spoke on the DAZN broadcast immediately after the 37-year-old’s win.

“When I look at the fights in the [heavyweight] division, as a promoter you want a fight with great build-up and jeopardy.

“For me, the American fight is Deontay Wilder against Jarrell Miller, run it in New York — that’s a serious, serious fight.”

Wilder was last in action himself recently when he headlined the O2 Arena in London, England.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ beat a tough Derek Chisora over the distance, dropping ‘Del Boy’ in the eighth and ninth rounds.

He made it clear a fight with Anthony Joshua would be what he wants next but, with ‘AJ’ likely eyeing a less risky warm-up fight before a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury, Wilder will most likely have to wait.

Miller spoke on the broadcast and revealed a date he would like to return to the ring.

“I am trying to fight again maybe June on the ‘Boots’ Ennis undercard in New York [June 27], Pero where is your brother at, tell him he can get his a** whooped next.

 

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“If anything I’d fight him on the ‘Boots’ undercard if everyone else is unavailable, we know Usyk is fighting Rico [Verhoeven].

“Tyson [Fury] might be interested but you know we want to fight on neutral grounds, he can come to America, the UK guys don’t really like me too much.

“Maybe in Saudi, if they put the money up I’d love to fight Tyson.”

Miller continued to address the fight with ‘The Bronze Bomber’ and did not hold back his feelings.

Jarrell Miller calls out potential heavyweights to fight next! #MillerPero pic.twitter.com/7MhVCaW44w

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 26, 2026

“Deontay [Wilder], he’s a p**** man, he said a long time ago that he doesn’t want to fight ‘Big Baby’ because I hurt his feelings.

“If you don’t shut your pie-a** up and come fight me boy.”

The post Eddie Hearn calls for Deontay Wilder vs Jarrell Miller appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Fontainebleau hosted Miller’s showdown against Pero in what was a must-win.

‘Big Baby’ returned to the ring for the first time since his September win over Ivan Dychko on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford.

He faced Pero in a WBA world title eliminator, picking up a points decision over 12 rounds.

The three judges’ scorecards read: 117-111 x2, 115-113 after a convincing win for the 37-year-old.

Miller faced some adversity throughout the fight, especially in the opening rounds where ‘El Justiciero’ had success.

 

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Around the fourth round onwards, some of ‘Big Baby’s’ big shots started to find a home and were clearly troubling the unbeaten Pero.

The 33-year-old remained in the contest for its entirety, with some really close ‘slugfests’ taking place towards the final bell.

Miller got the correct decision and looks to his next opponent, with new promoter Eddie Hearn stepping into the ring immediately after the fight to call out Deontay Wilder for a New York showdown next.

Alan Chaves vs Miguel Madueno

25-year-old Alan Chaves was back in action in Las Vegas and made no mistake, extending his knockout run to five on the bounce.

He took on an experienced Miguel Madueno as he looks to build towards a shot at a lightweight world title.

‘Veneno’ came off an impressive first-round victory over Pablo Vicente and was just as impressive tonight, scoring a devastating third-round knockout.

OMGG WHAT A KNOCKOUT #MillerPero | Live NOW on DAZN pic.twitter.com/n8JsJV53Zw

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 26, 2026

The referee began a count, but it was clear Madueno would not be able to continue.

The Argentinian is now unbeaten after 22 fights, with a really impressive 87% knockout ratio.

Remaining Undercard

Freudis Rojas lost his unbeaten record to Damian Sosa over 10 rounds, with all three of the judges scoring the contest 93-96 to the deserved Mexican winner.

He put Rojas down in the sixth round and scored an upset win.

Damian Sosa DROPS Rojas in round 6 #MillerPero | Live NOW on DAZN pic.twitter.com/HLpbtoxCqP

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 26, 2026

Sosa picked up his second win after losing a decision to unified world champion Xandar Zayas in 2024.

Indian prospect Nishant Dev added to his perfect record since turning professional in 2025.

He stopped Juan Carlos Guerra Jr in the second round after dropping him just seconds before.

Angel Barrientes scored a decisive unanimous decision over a tough Luis Espinoza at super bantamweight.

‘AK-47’ has just one loss on his record to date; he was stopped in the fourth round by Travon Lawson in their fight back in 2020.

Also at super bantamweight, 22-year-old Phillip Vela scored the sixth win of his professional career with a points win over Edwin Rodriguez.

The post Jarrell Miller vs Lenier Pero – Results & Post-Fight Report appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Whyte and Parker shared 12 thrilling rounds in 2018, with both men hitting the canvas.

Whyte won their dramatic heavyweight battle by unanimous decision at the O2 Arena.

‘The Body Snatcher’ is now eyeing a rematch with the New Zealander, who is looking to clear his name after testing positive for cocaine following his defeat to Fabio Wardley in October.

“There are a lot of good fights and Joseph Parker is one of them,” the 38-year-old told Ring Magazine.

“I’d love to get it on with Joseph Parker, I think that’s a really good fight.

“He needs to come back, he needs to get cleared or whatever, I don’t know the situation.

“So, in the meantime I need to stay busy and have a comeback fight as well, so let’s see.

“I feel like I’ve got a little bit more left to give, so let’s see what we can do to finish on a high.

“I’m training now and I want to be back in May or June.

“Now it’s just a case of training and seeing what comes up for that sort of date.”

The Brixton former world title challenger hasn’t fought since a crushing first round knockout loss to rising contender, Moses Itauma in Riyadh last August.

Former world champion, Parker had won six on the spin before being stopped in the 11th round against Wardley, losing his WBO interim title and a shot at unified champion, Oleksandr Usyk in the process.

The 34-year-old says he is going through the process following the failed test and is hopeful of a resolution soon.

“Hopefully [I’m back] soon,” Parker told Pro Boxing Fans.

“I’m just going through the process and practicing patience.

“Just have to be patient and come with a conclusion of what they think happened.

“I know what happened and I’ve submitted everything so let’s see.”

The post Dillian Whyte eyeing Joseph Parker rematch appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Joshua is closing in on a two-fight deal for a long-awaited heavyweight battle with Tyson Fury.

However, the 36-year-old is set to return this summer, before proceeding with a November bout with ‘The Gypsy King’.

July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is the target date, sources told proboxing-fans.com.

An opponent is not yet known at this stage.

Should the fight get finalised, this would clash with the return of rising heavyweight Moses Itauma, who is set to also fight on July 25 at the O2 Arena and both Joshua and Itauma are aligned with streaming service DAZN.

DAZN declined to comment when approached by proboxing-fans.com.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn confirmed on Thursday that talks are progressing for a Fury showdown.

The pair have been on a collision course for over a decade, however the all-British clash has failed to materialise on a number of occasions.

‘The Gypsy King’ demanded a long-awaited meeting with his rival after beating Arslanbek Makhmudov earlier this month on his return to the ring following his decision to come out of retirement in January.

‘AJ’ declined Fury’s invitation to enter the ring, but according to Hearn talks are at an advanced stage on a two-fight deal.

“Very, very advanced,” the Matchroom Chairman told Ring Magazine

“We’re going backwards and forwards on the contracts.

“I think we’re getting very close now.

“When the official announcement comes, it’ll come from His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh].

“AJ said to me, ‘make the fight’ and that’s what we’re trying to do.

“That first fight in July, the comeback fight and then the fight with Tyson Fury.

“It won’t be one fight and then sign the other, it’ll be we’re all in for both.

“Nothing done yet, but fast approaching and we’re very confident we’ll get there.”

Joshua has not fought since a sixth round knockout of Jake Paul in Miami in December.

10 days later, the 36-year-old was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria which took the lives of two of his close friends.

The two-time heavyweight world champion escaped with minor injuries and has returned to training camp in Spain alongside former rival and unified titlist, Oleksandr Usyk.

The post Anthony Joshua return targeted for July 25 in Riyadh appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Yoka was set to face Okolie in a crunch heavyweight showdown in Paris on Saturday.

However, on Tuesday the Brit failed a VADA test, reportedly for GHRP 2 and its M8 metabolite, a synthetic substance that stimulates the body to release Human Growth Hormone.

Promoter Frank Warren attempted to find a late-replacement, but later cancelled the entire show.

Yoka, 33, admits he was left bitterly disappointed by the situation.

“I was disappointed about it, because I wanted to fight,” the 33-year-old told talkSPORT.

“Of course I was ready.

“It’s not like it happened months before, it was three or four days before the fight.

“It was a big opportunity.

“It would have put me in a really good position, so that’s why I was really upset about it.

“The fact that they just cancelled the whole show was more disappointing for me, but I understand it’s a business.”

The Frenchman says he won’t be waiting around for too long and has been told he will either fight on the undercard of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois on May 9 in Manchester or on the Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic bill on May 16 in Doncaster.

 

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Okolie, the number one contender with the WBC for Oleksandr Usyk’s title, vowed to clear his name in a statement.

“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp.

“I had a treatment on it and now we are here.

“I truly hope sense prevails.

 

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A post shared by Dr. Lawrence Okolie (@lawrenceokolie)

“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name.

“I won’t be making any further comment at this time.

“Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

The post “I was upset” – Tony Yoka reacts to Lawrence Okolie failed test appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Miller faces Pero at the Fontainebleau in a WBA world title eliminator, live on DAZN.

The 37-year-old is the betting favourite to hand Pero a first professional defeat and ‘Big Baby’ has vowed to overwhelm the Cuban.

“I’m going to beat this b***h’s a** bad on April 25,” he said.

“He might need to get a one-way boat back to Cuba.

“It’s not going to be any of that pretty moving around, I’m going back to the old school and I’m going to run him over Big Baby style.

“I’m throwing 70-80- punches a round, he’s going to try to move around and box.

“I’ve seen the stuff he does in the gym, but I’m going to beat the brakes off his ass, trust me.”

The American returned to winning ways in January with a split decision victory over Kingsley Ibeh at Madison Square Garden.

‘Big Baby’ stole the headlines after his toupee was knocked off his head by Ibeh in the second round.

The controversial New Yorker launched the hairpiece into the crowd in a somewhat now iconic moment.

Pero, undefeated in 13 professional outings and the number two ranked contender with the WBA, overcame Jordan Thompson by unanimous decision in November, before facing off with Miller in the ring.

“Pero called me out before which I was shocked by,” he added.

“But come April 25, I’ll be whooping his ass real good.

 

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“Any fighter that gets in the ring over 200 pounds has a puncher’s chance, and I’ve never slept on any of my opponents or taken anyone lightly.

“It was a shorter camp for the New York fight, but I’ve been in the gym since that fight and I look a lot leaner now.”

The post Jarrell Miller vows to “run over” Lenier Pero in Las Vegas appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Miller (27-1, 22 KOs) meets Pero (13-0, 8 KOs) at the Fontaibleau, live on DAZN.

The controversial 37-year-old is in the twilight years of his career, but breathed late life into it after getting back to winning ways with a split decision victory over Kingsley Ibeh in January.

‘Big Baby’ captured the headlines after his toupee was knocked off by Ibeh in the second round.

The American threw the hairpiece into the crowd and won his first fight in over two years.

Pero is ranked at two with the WBA and stands on the brink of a maiden world heavyweight title shot with victory.

The 33-year-old Cuban remained undefeated with a unanimous decision win over Jordan Thompson in November in Orlando.

Prediction: Miller is the bookies favourite to hand Pero a first professional loss, but I feel the visitor’s superior boxing ability will see him emerge victorious by decision.

Chaves meets Madueno

Alan Chaves also risks his lofty world ranking when he meets Miguel Madeno in a lightweight clash.

Chaves (21-0, 18 KOs) is ranked at two by the WBO behind world champion, Abdullah Mason and the Argentine is undefeated in 21 professional bouts.

 

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Madueno (31-4, 28 KOs) looks to snap a two-fight losing streak, which came against Keyshawn Davis and Oscar Duarte respectively.

Prediction: Madueno was stopped in his last outing by Duarte and Chaves can do the same here.

Remaining Undercard

Freudis Rojas (15-0, 11 KOs) is moving towards world title contention at super welterweight and the unbeaten 27-year-old should secure a decision victory over Damian Sosa (26-3, 13 KOs), who has never been stopped in three previous defeats.

Super bantamweight, Angel Barrientes (14-1, 9 KOs) should also be a points winner against Luis Espinoza (10-1, 4 KOs).

 

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Indian super welterweight prospect, Nishant Dev (5-0, 3 KOs) can remain unbeaten with a points victory over Juan Carlos Guerra Jr (6-2-1, 2 KOs).

Bantamweight prospect, Phillip Vela (5-0, 2 KOs) should also see off Edwin Rodriguez (12-10-3, 5 KOs) over the six-round distance.

The post Jarrell Miller vs Lenier Pero – Big Fight Preview & Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Benavidez challenges Zurdo for his unified WBO and WBA cruiserweight world titles at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas next Saturday, live on DAZN pay-per-view.

‘The Mexican Monster’ moves up from light heavyweight where he holds the WBC crown, in an attempt to become a three-division world champion.

An undisputed 175 pound title clash with Dmitry Bivol has so far eluded the unbeaten 29-year-old, but he insists he’ll return to the weight class after facing Ramirez in a bid to lure Bivol into a fight with him.

“My plan wasn’t just to abandon the light heavyweight division,” Benavidez said on The Ariel Helwani Show.

“My plan was [to] come up, grab two titles, come back down and make this fight with me and Bivol even bigger.

“My dream is to become unified champion.

“It’s smart for me to come back down.”

Bivol, who holds the remaining IBF, WBA and WBO belts, will defend his IBF title against mandatory challenger, Michael Eifert on May 30 in Russia.

The 35-year-old captured the undisputed crown with a revenge win over Artur Beterbiev in his last outing last February.

The Russian relinquished the WBC belt that Benavidez now owns in pursuit of a third meeting with Beterbiev, which ultimately failed to materialise.

Benavidez, who stopped Anthony Yarde in Riyadh in November, is also hopeful of securing a showdown with former undisputed light heavyweight titlist, Beterbiev who hasn’t fought since a sole professional defeat to Bivol.

“After that fight [against Bivol] when I capture the titles,” he added.

“I’m going to fight Beterbiev.

“The one that gets me the most excited is probably Beterbiev.

“It’s two monsters coming at a collision course.

“Beterbiev has been the boogeyman for a long, long, long time.

“So me being the monster, I’ve got to go in there and take the boogeyman out.”

The post David Benavidez eyeing two names after Zurdo Ramirez appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Garcia and Benn are reportedly in discussions to meet in a welterweight world title clash in Las Vegas in August.

Benn is the number one contender to the American’s WBC crown, which he won with a unanimous decision over Mario Barrios in February.

On Wednesday, Benn publicly called for his rival to sign his end of the deal.

“Sign the contract @RyanGarcia,” the 29-year-old posted on X.

‘King Ry’ fired back at ‘The Destroyer’, claiming he hasn’t been given a contract to sign.

The 27-year-old posted wrote on X: “If I actually had the contract Conor I would’ve signed that as fast as one of these hands will touch your jaw come fight night.”

Benn hasn’t made the 147 pound limit since 2022, although he signalled his intent to get back down to welterweight with his last outing taking place at 150 pounds.

The Ilford man saw off former two-time world champion, Regis Prograis by unanimous decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this month.

Benn had campaigned at middleweight in his two bouts prior to Prograis in two grudge matches with Chris Eubank Jr.

Prior to his victory over Porgrais, the 29-year-old controversially left former promotional team Matchroom for Zuffa Boxing on a one-fight deal reportedly worth $15m.

Benn resigned with the company formed by UFC boss Dana White last week on a five-fight deal.

“Just signed a new multi-fight deal which I’m very happy about,” he said.

“Our visions are aligned.

 

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If I actually had the contract Conor I would’ve signed that as fast as one of these hands will touch your jaw come fight night.

— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) April 22, 2026

“Our goal remains the same to get that world title, but more importantly give people want the fights they want.

“Give people the mega fights.”

The post Ryan Garcia DENIES receiving contract for Conor Benn fight appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Miller clashes with Pero in a heavyweight battle at the Fontainebleau, live on DAZN.

‘Big Baby’ was last seen in January, overcoming Kingsley Ibeh by split decision in New York, although his performance wasn’t the main talking point.

The 37-year-old went viral after his toupee was knocked off his head in round two, with the American proceeding to throw it into the crowd.

Miller is an 8/13 favourite heading into Saturday’s clash with Bet365, while Pero is the underdog at 6/5.

‘Big Baby’ hasn’t had a knockout victory since 2023 and his most likely route to victory is seen by decision at 11/8, while a win inside the distance is priced at 15/4.

Pero, unbeaten in 13 professional bouts and the number two-ranked contender with the WBA, went the distance in victory over Jordan Thompson in November and another points win is his seen as his best route to an upset at 9/4.

The 33-year-old Cuban has 8 knockouts from his 13 victories and another knockout here is valued at 11/2.

Full Bet365 Odds

Fight Outcome

• Jarrell Miller to win fight: 8/13
• Jarrell Miller by KO/TKO/DQ: 15/4
• Jarrell Miller by Decision or Technical Decision: 11/8
• Lenier Pero to win fight: 6/5
• Lenier Pero by KO/TKO/DQ: 11/2
• Lenier Pero by Decision or Technical Decision: 9/4
• Draw or Technical Draw: 16/1

Round Betting

Jarrell Miller

• To Win In Round 1: 100/1
• To Win In Round 2: 100/1
• To Win In Round 3: 66/1
• To Win In Round 4: 50/1
• To Win In Round 5: 40/1
• To Win In Round 6: 33/1
• To Win In Round 7: 28/1
• To Win In Round 8: 25/1
• To Win In Round 9: 25/1
• To Win In Round 10: 25/1
• To Win In Round 11: 28/1
• To Win In Round 12: 33/1
• To Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 11/8

 

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Lenier Pero

• To Win In Round 1: 100/1
• To Win In Round 2: 100/1
• To Win In Round 3: 80/1
• To Win In Round 4: 66/1
• To Win In Round 5: 50/1
• To Win In Round 6: 40/1
• To Win In Round 7: 40/1
• To Win In Round 8: 33/1
• To Win In Round 9: 33/1
• To Win In Round 10: 33/1
• To Win In Round 11: 40/1
• To Win In Round 12: 40/1
• To Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 9/4

The post Jarrell Miller vs Lenier Pero – Odds & Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Okolie was set to face Tony Yoka in a crucial heavyweight clash.

However, the 33-year-old returned an adverse analytical finding in a VADA test.

Promoter Frank Warren had been scrambling to find a last-minute replacement, with David Adeleye telling proboxing-fans.com earlier on Tuesday he’d be willing to step in on four days’ notice.

Later on Tuesday, Queensberry confirmed that the whole card had been scrapped.

Queensberry said in a statement posted on X: “Due to circumstances outside of our control, Queensberry and DAZN have regrettably made the decision to cancel this Saturday’s scheduled event in Paris.

“For refunds, please contact your ticket purchaser.”

The card was set to feature a super welterweight clash between WBC number one contender, Bakary Samake and Ermal Hadribeaj.

Okolie vowed to prove his innocence, citing treatment for a previous injury as cause for the test failure.

The Londoner posted on Instagram: “Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp.

pic.twitter.com/Sh42ORTrqz

— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) April 21, 2026

“I had a treatment on it and now we are here.

“I truly hope sense prevails.

“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name.

“I won’t be making any further comment at this time.

“Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

According to reports, ‘The Sauce’ tested positive for GHRP 2 and its M8 metabolite, a synthetic substance that stimulates the body to release Human Growth Hormone.

 

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The substance is capable of boosting muscle mass, improving recovery and helping fat loss.

The positive test and subsequent cancelled fight puts his heavyweight world title hopes on ice for the time being.

Okolie, a former cruiserweight world champion, is the number one ranked contender with the WBC behind world champion, Oleksandr Usyk.

The post Queensberry cancel show after Lawrence Okolie failed test appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Okolie was scheduled to face Yoka in a heavyweight showdown this weekend, but ’The Sauce’ returned an adverse analytical finding in a VADA test and is now out of the bout.

Frank Warren, the promoter of the show, is scrambling to find an opponent to step in and is looking for a British name.

“It is very unsatisfactory,” Warren told talkSPORT.

“But it is what it is and we’ve got to get on with it and make sure we run a show and that’s what we’re trying to do at the moment and find an opponent for Tony Yoka.

“I’m trying to find a British fighter to get in there.

“We’re all devastated by it.

“If we can’t find an opponent, we’ve got to consider postponing the show and that’s not fair on everybody.”

Warren may have found a last-minute replacement, with British heavyweight, Adeleye willing to face the Frenchman if the money is right. 

Asked by proboxing-fans.com if he’d be willing to step in on four days’ notice and fight Yoka, the 29-year-old replied: “All day.

“That’s why you got to stay fight ready at all times.

“Bag has got to be right though if they’re calling me this late.”

The Londoner hasn’t fought since a spirited defeat to Filip Hrgovic in Riyadh in August.

Prior to that loss, ‘Big D’ won the British heavyweight title with a sixth round stoppage of Jeamie TKV.

Okolie vowed to prove his innocence in a statement released on Tuesday.

“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp.

 

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“I had a treatment on it and now we are here.

“I truly hope sense prevails.

“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name.

“I won’t be making any further comment at this time.

“Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

The post David Adeleye willing to replace Lawrence Okolie and face Tony Yoka appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Okolie returned an adverse analytical finding in a VADA test days before his scheduled clash with Tony Yoka in Paris on Saturday.

The 33-year-old’s promoter, Warren has confirmed that he won’t fight on Saturday and the Queensberry boss is now scrambling to find a replacement, looking specifically at a British name to step in.

“It is very unsatisfactory,” Warren told talkSPORT.

“But it is what it is and we’ve got to get on with it and make sure we run a show and that’s what we’re trying to do at the moment and find an opponent for Tony Yoka.

“I’m trying to find a British fighter to get in there.

“We’re all devastated by it.

“If we can’t find an opponent, we’ve got to consider postponing the show and that’s not fair on everybody.

 

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“He’s disappointed, we’re disappointed, this is not what we want.

“That is why we get these guys tested, so if there’s anything untoward, it gets detected and they’ve got to explain how the substance got into their system.”

Okolie was closing in on a heavyweight world title shot and was set to risk his number one position with the WBC against the Frenchman.

The Londoner has vowed to clear his name and hinted at a possible cause for the positive test result.

pic.twitter.com/5PF0KLvdMY

— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) April 21, 2026

“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp.

“I had a treatment on it and now we are here. 

“I truly hope sense prevails.

“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name.

“I won’t be making any further comment at this time. 

“Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

The post Frank Warren gives UPDATE after Lawrence Okolie failed drugs test appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Okolie was set to face Yoka in a crunch heavyweight clash in Paris.

However, on Tuesday ‘The Sauce’ retuned an adverse analytical finding in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Test, leaving Saturday’s scheduled main event in jeopardy.

Okolie’s promoter Queensberry posted on X: “Last night the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie had returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris on Saturday.

“A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dr. Lawrence Okolie (@lawrenceokolie)

The former cruiserweight world champion was quick to release a statement of his own, vowing to clear his name.

The 33-year-old posted on Instagram: “Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp.

“I had a treatment on it and now we are here. 

“I truly hope sense prevails.

“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name.

“I won’t be making any further comment at this time. 

“Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

pic.twitter.com/5PF0KLvdMY

— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) April 21, 2026

The Hackney man is the number one contender with the WBC behind world champion, Oleksandr Usyk who defends his title against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt.

Okolie, who forced Ebenezer Tetteh to retire in two rounds in December, had been hopeful of securing a shot at WBC interim titlist, Agit Kabayel.

2016 Olympic gold medalist, Yoka stopped Patrick Korte in December on the same card as Okolie’s win over Tetteh in Nigeria.

Okolie’s promoter, Frank Warren has revealed he is looking to replace the Brit to ensure Yoka can still fight on Saturday.

“It is very unsatisfactory,” Warren told talkSPORT.

“But it is what it is and we’ve got to get on with it and make sure we run a show and that’s what we’re trying to do at the moment and find an opponent for Tony Yoka.

“I’m trying to find a British fighter to get in there.

“If we can’t find an opponent, we’ve got to consider postponing the show.”

The post Lawrence Okolie reacts to drugs test failure before Tony Yoka fight appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.