Former WBO cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie (19-1, 14 KOs) can be returning to the ring for the primary time since his sole skilled defeat to Chris Billam-Smith. Okolie‘s return will see him transfer as much as bridgerweight to problem the WBC champion Lukasz Rozanski (15-0, 14 KOs) dwell on Sky Sports activities on Friday, Could 24. Forward of his subsequent struggle, “The Sauce” has spoken to Sky Sports activities about this newest alternative.
Lawrence Okolie Subsequent Struggle: Able to Problem Lukasz Rozanski
Lawrence Okolie Subsequent Struggle vs. Rozanski
Okolie will journey to Rozanski’s homeland to struggle the unbeaten WBC bridgerweight champion on the Hala na Podpromiu, Rzeszow. The Hackney-born fighter can be trying to take out the large punching Pole and create historical past, profitable one other world title in a brand new weight class.
Talking on his want to win one other world title, Okolie mentioned: “At this level it might imply all the things,” Okolie advised Sky Sports activities. “Profitable and dropping a world title, I can see the distinction so I need it and I need it unhealthy. He continued: “I’d say (he’s extra motivated than ever). If I’m going to be brutally trustworthy then positively.”
The 31-year-old Londoner additionally spoke about the necessity to remind everybody of his qualities: “Even the opposite crew, for them to make this struggle they usually’re most likely feeling actually assured, I’ve to point out them too. I’ve obtained to remind lots of people what I’ve completed and what I’m able to and what I’ve obtained left within the tank.”
Okolie then mentioned travelling to Poland and the significance of erasing the loss to Billam-Smith: “It’s one of many fundamental causes I needed it,” mentioned Okolie. “I’ve obtained the expertise that didn’t go how I needed it to in Bournemouth, however invaluable expertise.” He continued: “It is going to be a sell-out at this place.
“It’s given me that further ‘I’m going to smash him in entrance of his personal followers’ so we’re 9 quick weeks away after which I’ll get it completed.”
The challenger added: “I all the time go for the toughest fights and go for world titles so this was the chance for an additional world title and to grow to be a two-weight world champion, so who am I to say no?”
Okolie vs. Billam-Smith at Bridgerweight?
Billams-Smith will seemingly struggle his previous foe Richard Riakporhe subsequent, with Okolie hinting at a rematch at bridgerweight: “I feel Chris can also be one other fairly massive cruiserweight so there’s most likely a chance for us to field at bridgerweight after I’ve received this belt.
“It’s not one thing I’m desperately chasing, everyone knows I activated the rematch clause and for one motive or one other it by no means occurred.
“My profession doesn’t cling on a rematch, however it might be good to avenge my solely loss.”
