Lawrence Okolie joins forces with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions

Just when you thought that Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions had the heavyweights all tied up, they’ve added another world title hopeful to the team in the shape of former cruiserweight and bridgerweight belt-holder Lawrence Okolie.

The 31-year-old, previously under the guidance of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom and then Ben Shalom’s Boxxer, had a brief excursion to heavyweight in 2017 when he weighed 210lbs while stopping Rudolf Helesic. The banner division has been the long-term aim for “The Sauce” since turning over after competing in the 2016 Olympics.

“There is only one place,” Okolie said about his link up with Warren. “If you are a heavyweight in Britain or the world, it is the Warrens. They’ve got the best up-and-coming heavyweights, the best current heavyweights and the best who are on their way out.

“So, it is the place to be, for me.

“It has gone through different phases in my career and I needed to find a home that would cater for this next period, right to the end of my career, which is the heavyweight dream of being a three-weight world champion.

“I am a natural for the weight, right from being on the GB team. I have been struggling with making weight but, when you have success, you keep on pushing it. I even had to come down to make bridgerweight, so I knew it was time to go up.”

Okolie, 20-1 (15 KOs), knocked out Krzystof Glowacki to win the WBO cruiserweight strap in 2021 only to lose the title in his fourth defense to Chris Billam-Smith two years later. A one-round bludgeoning of the overmatched Lukasz Rozanski, for the lightly-regarded WBC bridgerweight gong, followed in May this year. That belt was subsequently relinquished.

Warren currently guides Tyson Fury, IBF titlist Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley, Derek Chisora, Joe Joyce, leading heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma, and has recently represented top contenders Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.

“I am thrilled to add Lawrence to our burgeoning heavyweight ranks here at Queensberry and I fully expect him to increase our successes in the marquee division,” said Warren.

“Lawrence possesses all the attributes to make a big impact at heavyweight and he will relish being released of the burden of cutting weight, allowing his natural talent and power to shine through.

“There are so many exciting fights and options out there for Lawrence and I am so looking forward to getting him started again.”