Lawrence Okolie confirms three-fight plan for 2023 after boxing champ’s quiet 12 months

IBO Cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie is targeting three huge fights this year after a very frustrating 2022.

Okolie faces New Zealand ace David Light on March 25 in what will be his first fight since his unanimous decision victory over Michal Cieslak in February 2022. The Brit’s progress has been severely disrupted by a bitter contract dispute with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.

But while their dispute is still ongoing, the 18-0 ace, who officially linked up with Ben Shalom and Boxxer at the start of the month, insisted his focus is fully on Light and the Manchester Arena. It is also very clear, Okolie does not want to waste any time.

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“I’m hoping for three fights,” Okolie said confidently, after being asked how many bouts he is targeting. “That’s what me and the team are working towards.

“Obviously I have to stay injury free, but I am expecting three fights this year.” When asked if the stand off with Hearn disrupted his training and preparations, Okolie shrugged the problems off and made it clear he had not taken his eyes off the top prize.

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“I’ve stayed in shape, and kept my mind focused on what I love to do, which is boxing,” Okolie added. “I’m just looking forward to getting in there and doing my job.” Boxxer supremo Shalom has also previously conveyed his lofty plans and ambitions for Okolie.

During an interview with talkSPORT, Shalom backed fellow Boxxer cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe to win his first world title and set up a titanic unification clash against Okolie later in this year.

Before anybody can consider such a clash, Okolie first needs to overcome 20-0 ace and mandatory challenger Light at the Manchester Arena. It will be Okolie’s third title defence since he stopped then-world champion Krzysztof Glowacki at Wembley Arena in March 2021.

While his fights may have recently dried up, as a result of the stand-off with Hearn and Matchroom, he is very excited about working with Boxxer and Shalom.

“All you have to do is look at the last year or so. Look at who they’ve signed, including myself and many others,” Okolie added. “They did Amir Khan vs Kell Brook, they sold out the O2 Arena with Savannah Marshall vs Claressa Shields on an all women’s card, they are already stamping their mark.

“We have also just had Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr, you know what I mean? There are so many great nights at such an early stage. I look forward to seeing what he does and how long we rock and roll for. Let’s hope he delivers.”

Lawrence Okolie fights David Light for the WBO world cruiserweight title at AO Arena in Manchester on March 25. Tickets go on sale this Friday at Boxxer.com

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