‘The Sauce’ hopes to bring new flavor to a Hall of Fame promoter’s heavyweight stable.
Queensberry Promotions has announced the signing of former two-division titleholder Lawrence Okolie. The rumored union was confirmed on Friday, with the 2016 Olympian eager to prove his worth among the sport’s deepest heavyweight stable.
Okolie won titles at cruiserweight and—for those who celebrate the division—bridgeweight. He gave up the latter WBC title to compete in boxing’s most storied division. It was a natural progression to then align with legendary Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren.
“There is only one place,” Okolie insisted. “If you’re a heavyweight in Britain or the world, it’s the Warrens. They have the best up and coming heavyweights, the best current heavyweights and the best up and coming.
“So this is the place to be, for me.”
Hackney’s Okolie previously fought under the Matchroom Boxing and BOXXER banners.
He won the WBO cruiserweight title under Matchroom and made three successful defenses. One came under BOXXER, as did his title loss to Chris Billam-Smith last May.
Okolie resurfaced 53 weeks later to claim his next crown. A first-round knockout of Lukasz Rozanski saw Okolie snatch the WBC flyweight title.
His reign was short-lived as the 31-year-old opted to move up in weight.
Warren has taken stock in the heavyweight division over the years. His growing list includes former two-time ruler champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) and current IBF titlist Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs).
“I am delighted to add Lawrence to our burgeoning heavyweight ranks here at Queensberry,” said Warren. “I fully expect him to increase our successes in the marquee division. Lawrence possesses all the attributes to make a big impact at heavyweight.
“He will enjoy being released from the burden of cutting weight, allowing his natural talent and strength to shine through. There are so many exciting fights and options for Lawrence and I’m so looking forward to getting him going again.”
The move breathed new life into Okolie’s career. His relationship with Matchroom ended on a sour note. Things seemed to be going well with BOXXER, but the alignment with Queensberry gives Okolie strength in numbers.
“It went through different phases in my career,” Okolie noted. “I needed to find a home that would cater for this next period, right through to the end of my career, which is the heavyweight dream of being a three-weight world champion.”
