‘The Sauce’ hopes to deliver new taste to a Corridor of Fame promoter’s heavyweight steady.
Queensberry Promotions introduced the signing of former two-division titlist Lawrence Okolie. The rumored union was confirmed on Friday, with the 2016 Olympian wanting to show his value among the many sport’s deepest heavyweight steady.
Okolie has received titles at cruiserweight and—for many who have fun the division–bridgerweight. He gave up the latter WBC title to compete in boxing’s most storied division. It was a pure course of development to then align with legendary Corridor of Fame promoter Frank Warren.
“There is just one place,” insisted Okolie. “In case you are a heavyweight in Britain or the world, it’s the Warrens. They’ve obtained the most effective up and coming heavyweights, the most effective present heavyweights and the most effective who’re on their approach out.
“So it’s the place to be, for me.”
Hackney’s Okolie beforehand fought below the Matchroom Boxing and BOXXER banners.
He received the WBO cruiserweight title below Matchroom and made three profitable defenses. One got here below BOXXER, as did his title-ending defeat to Chris Billam-Smith final Could.
Okolie resurfaced 53 weeks later to say his subsequent crown. A primary-round knockout of Lukasz Rozanski noticed Okolie snatch the WBC bridgerweight title.
His reign was short-lived, because the 31-year outdated opted to maneuver up in weight.
Warren has taken inventory within the heavyweight division through the years. His rising roster consists of former two-time lineal champ Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) and present IBF titlist Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs).
“I’m thrilled so as to add Lawrence to our burgeoning heavyweight ranks right here at Queensberry,” said Warren. “I totally anticipate him to extend our successes within the marquee division. Lawrence possesses all of the attributes to make a big effect at heavyweight.
“He’ll relish being launched of the burden of chopping weight, permitting his pure expertise and energy to shine by. There are such a lot of thrilling fights and choices on the market for Lawrence and I’m so trying ahead to getting him began once more.”
The transfer has breathed new life into Okolie’s profession. His relationship with Matchroom ended on a bitter word. Issues with BOXXER appeared to maneuver alongside effectively however the alignment with Queensberry offers energy in numbers for Okolie.
“It has gone by totally different phases in my profession,” famous Okolie. “I wanted to discover a dwelling that may cater for this subsequent interval, proper to the top of my profession, which is the heavyweight dream of being a three-weight world champion.”
