Lawrence Okolie hopes to resume his career after reaching a resolution with the WBC following a failed anti-doping test.

The British heavyweight returned an adverse analytical finding ahead of his scheduled fight against Tony Yoka in April, but Okolie maintained his innocence in a statement on social media.

Okolie had been the WBC No 1 ranked contender and the governing body held a review under their Clean Boxing Program, with the 33-year-old providing evidence that it was the 'result of the actions of a third party, without his knowledge or consent.'

A WBC statement read: "Throughout the process, Mr Okolie fully cooperated with the WBC's review and provided extenuating evidence supporting his position that the prohibited substance entered his system as a result of the actions of a third party, without his knowledge or consent.

"The WBC considered that mitigating evidence, together with Mr Okolie's unblemished testing history and cooperation throughout the process when reaching the agreed resolution.

Okolie, who had been in line for a WBC world heavyweight title shot, is now targeting a return to the ring.

"Clean sport has always been extremely important to me," he said in a statement. "I have cooperated fully throughout the process and remain committed to the highest standards of integrity in boxing. I look forward to the next chapter of my career and to being actively involved in the sport in the months ahead, while also using this experience to help educate other athletes about the importance of understanding and monitoring everything that enters their bodies."

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said: "The WBC Clean Boxing Program exists to protect athletes and the integrity of our sport. We appreciate Mr Okolie's cooperation throughout this process and welcome his commitment to helping educate fighters about anti-doping compliance and athlete responsibility."

As part of the agreed resolution, Okolie will remain available to undergo additional testing and to work with the WBC in support of education, awareness and compliance with anti-doping requirements among professional and amateur boxers.