Previous WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie expressed his desire to eventually step up to the heavyweight division to take on former world title contender Dillian Whyte.
With Whyte approaching 36 and showing signs of decline in his recent bout against Christian Hammer, Okolie is considering not waiting too long to challenge him. Whyte recently returned to the ring after a two-year break, defeating Hammer in three rounds.
Upcoming bridgerweight title fight
Okolie is set to battle WBC bridgerweight champion Łukasz Rozanski in Poland on May 24. This fight could be a stepping stone for Okolie to transition to the heavyweight division, given the limited big-money opportunities at bridgerweight and his size advantage.
Okolie’s aspirations in the heavyweight division
While Okolie possesses physical strength comparable to IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, his boxing skills may not be up to par with other elite heavyweights. Despite defeating opponents like Chris Billiam-Smith, Okolie may struggle against more skilled heavyweights like Whyte or Derek Chisora.
In Okolie’s words, “Dillian Whyte is back,” indicating his eagerness for a showdown. He also expressed interest in the heavyweight division and the opportunities it presents for his career growth.
Strategic approach to heavyweight success
For Okolie to make a successful transition to the heavyweight division, he may need to face several seasoned veterans before aiming for a world title shot. Having the support of a well-connected promoter like Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn could significantly aid his journey to the top, similar to what happened with Anthony Joshua early in his career.
