After a dismal 2023, this year looks to be a pivotal one in the career of Lawrence Okolie, as the former cruiserweight world champion aims to bounce back from a first career defeat. However, ‘The Sauce’ is not short of confidence, calling for a fight with one of Britain’s most established heavyweights.
Okolie left Shane McGuigan ahead of his first outing of last year, appointing Tyson Fury’s trainer SugarHill Steward for his clash with David Light, which ultimately resulted in a dull points victory.
Just three months later, Okolie faced off with former sparring partner Chris Billam-Smith, who had McGuigan in his corner and suffered the first loss of his career, losing his WBO cruiserweight title as a result.
Now the 31-year-old is planning a resurgence with the aid of a recently announced move to bridgerweight, where he will challenge for the WBC world title, acting as a stepping stone for his eventual step up to the heavyweight division as well as a taste of life under another new trainer, Joe Gallagher
Despite his upcoming bid to become a two-weight champion, Okolie admitted to Sky Sports that he does have eyes on the heavyweight division, and one domestic rival in particular.
“Dillian Whyte’s now back. Obviously everyone knows from back when I was Commonwealth and British champion I wanted that fight so that’s definitely one on my radar. Outside of that we’ll see what the landscape looks like.
“I’ve been looking at the heavyweights and seeing how much fun they’ve been having up there. I want to have a go as well.”
Dillian Whyte returned to the ring this month with a stoppage win over Christian Hammer in Ireland, but any chances of seeing ‘The Body Snatcher’ take on Okolie likely hinges on the success of Okolie’s bridgerweight contest, as he takes on Lukasz Rozanski in Poland in May.