Lawrence Okolie’s set up in the sport looks to be changing from top to bottom following his recent, messy split with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promotional company.
The WBO World Cruiserweight Champion was embroiled in a very public feud with Hearn focused on his contract and whether or not he was free to entertain offers from other companies and broadcasters.
Whilst the Matchroom boss maintains that he is still tied in to one more bout – something Okolie strongly disputes – BOXXER and Sky Sports have reached an agreement with the fighter to stage his next title defence.
‘The Sauce’ also moved on from his management company, 258, in early 2022 – a decision which Will Harvey, Head of Boxing, said was disappointing but made by the champion with no hard feelings.
Boxing King Media caught up with Shane McGuigan, the man who has been in Okolie’s corner since 2019, and the well-respected trainer confirmed that he they were not currently in regular contact.
“With myself and Lawrence, we’re not in regular contact. He’s doing his own thing. Door’s always open for him – he knows that. So, yeah, I’m just going to focus on my stable and everything that’s coming up really.”
It’s unclear who will be taking the reins for Okolie’s training camp – one which is due to kick off soon for a March fight against unbeaten contender, David Light.
Sky Sports announced that, with BOXXER, they will broadcast the fight with venue, date and other fights on the card yet to be confirmed.
It’s thought that Okolie’s goals still remain the same – move towards unifying the cruiserweight titles before making the switch to heavyweight, attempting to follow in the footsteps most recently set by Oleksandr Usyk, who was undisputed at 200lb before moving up and becoming undisputed champion in the sport’s top division.