"This is the worst thing that has happened to me in my entire life. It was unexpected and very unpleasant, although I have no doubt that the truth will eventually come out and I will be cleared. Now we just need to let the lawyers do their job," said Lawrence Okolie (23-1, 17 KOs).
The former cruiserweight and bridgerweight world champion was ranked No. 1 by the WBC at heavyweight, but shortly before his fight with Tony Yoka, it was announced that his doping sample had tested positive for a banned substance.
"I have been tested regularly since the Olympic Games, 10 years ago. I requested random VADA tests before the fight, and that proves that I did not knowingly take anything banned. This has cost me a lot of sleepless nights because if I had been caught cheating, I would have said, 'So be it.' And I know that I did not knowingly take anything banned. I will deal with this issue somehow. I am not going to cry over spilled milk, but I am not going to deny that this is a very difficult experience. The truth will come out in time. I hope, and even expect, to return to boxing soon. I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible," Okolie added.
