---
title: "Lawrence Okolie Set For Shock Next Move In His Career"
canonical: "https://boxing-social.com/news/okolie-set-for-shock-move-in-his-career/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Boxing Social Staff"
section: "News"
published: "2024-02-13T14:26:10Z"
modified: "2024-02-13T14:30:43Z"
---

# Lawrence Okolie Set For Shock Next Move In His Career

Lawrence Okolie has long been linked with a rematch with Chris Billam-Smith since their showdown last year, but it appears he will be going in a new direction with his career.

Okolie reigned as WBO cruiserweight champion from March 2021 to that clash with Billam-Smith in May 2023, but [lost his belt with a majority decision defeat at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.](https://talksport.com/sport/1440420/fans-outraged-judges-scorecard-emerges-chris-billam-smith-world-title-win-lawrence-okolie/)

[A rematch was touted, but many fans voiced their displeasure about seeing it again,](https://wp.boxing-social.com/news/chris-billam-smith-on-okolie-rematch/) due to the scrappy nature of the contest, with Okolie deducted points for holding in both the fifth and seventh round.

It seems it’s now off for good, after [Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom told Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13070553/lawrence-okolie-eyes-move-up-in-weight-as-he-plots-world-championship-comeback-he-can-really-let-the-shackles-off) that Okolie will be changing divisions, with a move to heavyweight, or even bridgerweight, on the cards.

> “I think we’re going to look to move up to heavyweight or fight immediately for a world title at bridgerweight. He’s a really talented fighter and so I just think the story hasn’t even begun for Lawrence Okolie.
>
> “The reason his performances haven’t been at the level he was used to is, I do think, the weight, as a 6’6 guy. This is personal opinion, and especially at that top level, \[that\] was getting in the way of his very best performances.
>
> “Whatever people may say about his last couple of performances he’s a big name, he’s a big personality, he’s a big talent.
>
> “But when you’re performing not at your best and you’re working that hard to make the weight, you might look back and say you know what it was a blessing in disguise. He can really let the shackles off and go again.”

As for Okolie’s rival Billam-Smith, he is all set for a showdown with another domestic foe, with a fight against Richard Riakporhe set to take place this year.

Riakporhe came out on top by split decision when the two men met back in 2019, with Billam-Smith hoping to gain revenge when he puts his WBO cruiserweight title on the line this time around.