Former WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie is back looking to regain his world title. BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom has revealed that he has the potential to fight in a higher weight class and may aim to box in the new bridgerweight category on his way to heavyweight.
Tuesday 13 February 2024, UK, 10:45
Lawrence Okolie returns with the aim of reclaiming the world title.
The former WBO cruiserweight champion is considering moving up in weight, BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom said. sky sports.
Last year, Okolie lost the title to Chris Billam-Smith in a hard-fought battle at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.
Chris Billam-Smith relives his world title win over Lawrence Okolie and shares his emotions on the biggest night of his career
He hasn’t boxed since his fight in May, but there’s still a chance he could return for a world title fight.
“I think he’ll either move up to heavyweight or fight for a world title at bridgerweight soon,” said BOXXER’s Ben Shalom. sky sports.
Shalom suggests that a weight gain may be what Okolie needs after an unconvincing fight against David Wright and subsequent loss to Billam Smith.
“I think the reason he hasn’t performed at the level he was before is because of his weight as a 6’6 guy, which is just my personal opinion, especially at the top level. [that] It was getting in the way of his best performance,” the promoter explained.
“I think he’s seriously considering heavyweight, maybe bridgerweight first, and I think that’s what you’ll see later in Lawrence’s career.
Cruiserweight contestant Richard Liakpore says he would welcome a future bout with domestic rival Lawrence Okolie
“He’s a really talented fighter and I think Lawrence Okolie’s story hasn’t even begun yet. Think about Oleksandr Usyk and David Haye at cruiserweight and all the guys who made their mark in the heavyweight division.
“He’s a lot bigger than those guys. His size is a lot bigger and he had to work very hard to accomplish what he did at cruiserweight, but sometimes fighters do it themselves. Sometimes people don’t talk about the struggles they go through.
“Lawrence Okolie’s story is just beginning and I think he will be in a class that is well-suited to his position.”
Shalom believes the move will attract attention.
Chris Billam-Smith scores the first knockdown of his professional career over Lawrence Okolie, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
“He’s still a huge name, he’s still a great personality. There aren’t many boxers walking the streets, but people know who they are and Lawrence is one of them,” the promoter said. .
“No matter what people say about his last few performances, he’s a big name, a great personality, a great talent.
“There aren’t that many big names still active in British boxing, which is why the world is watching him. It can be hard to understand that when you lose a world title. And I know that.”
“But when your performance isn’t your best and you’re working hard to make weight, you might look back and say you know what a blessing that was.
“He can really take off his shackles and be free again.”
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