Lawrence Okolie was on the eve of a heavyweight contest with Tony Yoka when he tested positive for, reportedly, the banned human growth hormone stimulator GHRP 2. The entire promotion was therefore cancelled. GHRP 2 is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptide known to help recovery, increase muscle mass, and also assist in fat loss.
What’s the latest, as you understand it, regarding your recently failed drugs test?
It’s a process. I’m just going through the process. It’s a case of allowing the lawyers to do their job; allowing time to show what it shows.
How disappointing was that news?
It’s the worst thing that’s happened in my life. It hit me; blindsided me. Obviously what’s happened’s happened; the reason for it is gonna eventually [come to light].
How important is it to you to clear your name?
At the end of the day I’ve been an Olympian; I’ve been a Commonwealth, European champion; world champion; I’m the one that asked for VADA testing for this fight. I’ve been on the “whereabouts” [monitoring scheme with drugs testers] since the Olympics – for 10 years. For 10 years I’ve never had anything.
It’s difficult, but it’s not in my heart to want to cheat. If I wanted to cheat I would never, in a million years, ask to be put under more of a microscope by agreeing VADA testing. But unfortunately we’re here.
When you say it’s the “worst thing that’s happened in your life”, what does that look like for you?
I haven’t cried. But, definitely, sleepless nights. I always thought to myself “If I committed a crime I’d be able to sleep”. With this, I didn’t commit the crime but it’s actually – it’s not about feeling sorry for myself. You’re expecting your life to go this way, and all of a sudden because of something that’s happened it’s going the other way. I know we’re going to sort it, but as an experience it’s difficult. It just feels weird. I’ve done everything I believe’s right, and now you’re here.
Do you understand why there’ll be scepticism when you say that you’re a clean athlete?
I do. ‘Cause even myself, other fighters I think that. But with me, I’ve been knocking people out since I was an amateur… Obviously anyone can cheat, but it’s not really in my makeup because it’s not a) how I operate as an athlete and secondly it’s not the advantage that I need. I need [help with] my belly fat, as opposed to getting bigger and whatever. Ultimately, I think the science will tell the full story.
What’s your explanation of what happened?
Honestly, I’m gonna give the full explanation as soon as I’m over the situation, but I’ve been told if I say anything now it’s going to cause a problem in my actual case. The best explanation I can say is that there’s human error – not mine, but I have to suffer the consequences.
It’s often said that the athlete should take responsibility for everything that enters their body…
I’d say the exact same thing. I’d say, obviously, there’s a limit – there’s mitigating circumstances. Reasons why maybe… But if I’m told one thing, and another thing happens… Obviously, you’re [responsible] for what’s in your system, but you have to look at the whole picture, not just the end result.
[It’s] disappointing, because I put in so much hard work – I did everything I could do. Everything was lined up in my head to go out there and put on a good performance, and all of a sudden… I would have actually preferred an injury. For something like that [instead of] something like this where you’re having to deal with the fallout.
How frustrating was it for your trainer Joe Gallagher and promoter Frank Warren?
They all know it’s not my nature to cheat. They know the full details of what’s happened, so they have a bit more of an understanding of it.
It’s more so, I’m disappointed, but in a very short time you’ll see “This is what happened”…
Did you feel bad for your opponent, Tony Yoka?
I was disappointed for him. But, ultimately, I know it’s just a case of I have to focus on myself and get back to boxing.
Will we definitely see you fight again?
Yeah, of course you will. I don’t see [an extended absence] happening because my thing is very clear cut. “This is what happened.” It’s not like I have to speculate and come up with [excuses]. I’m not in a situation where it’s “Maybe this; maybe that”. It’s “This is exactly what happened on this set day, and this is why we’re in this situation”. It’s very clear cut. There’s evidence, and I expect to be back boxing ASAP, to be fair.
For the record, did you cheat?
No [laughs]. Everything will be shown in very due course.
