There may finally now be a degree of clarity in the career of cruiserweight world champion, Lawrence Okolie, as the WBO this week ordered him to defend his title against relatively unknown mandatory challenger, David Light.
Light was controversially awarded a decision win over Brandon Glanton in a final eliminator last weekend, and the WBO have hastily ordered a purse bid for a fight between he and Okolie, due to take place on December 14th.
The Londoner has been firing serious digs at Hearn – who has promoted him for his entire professional career – via social media and has been looking to severe ties with Matchroom for the majority of the year.
Hearn has constantly stated ‘Big Sauce’ has one fight remaining on his current deal, despite claims from the fighter to the contrary. The ongoing dispute has saw Okolie fight just once this calendar year, with previous talk of unification bouts and a move up to heavyweight put very much on the back burner.
The saga may have started to hamper Okolie’s performance in the gym, with talk circling that the 29 year old is not currently training as he perhaps should be.
As for David Light, he appears, on first glance at least, to be well below Okolie’s level. Although the New Zealander is undefeated, most observers believe he was very fortunate to get the nod against Glanton a few days ago and there are few prior names on his resume of any note whatsoever.
Okolie’s team will hope the somewhat low-key fight with Light does materialise and can serve as the perfect opportunity for him to return to action, regain some momentum in his career and, most importantly, put an end to his feud with Matchroom.
Purse bids are set for December 14, and it will be interesting to see the promoters who come forward to stake their claim.