Lawrence Okolie can turn out to be a heavyweight world champion, insists coach Joe Gallagher.
Okolie intends to struggle Agit Kabayel for the WBC’s Interim strap after which implement a compulsory shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s full WBC world championship.
A former world titlist at cruiserweight and likewise within the new, evenly regarded bridgerweight division, Okolie is the WBC’s No 1 ranked contender at heavyweight.
Gallagher is satisfied that ought to put the Hackney fighter within the body to tackle Kabayel.
“I don’t see no reason why it can’t happen and it should happen. Lawrence Okolie versus Kabayel for the WBC Interim or, if Usyk gets stripped, for the WBC world title. That’s what we want,” Gallagher advised Sky Sports activities.
“We’re saying he is no boogeyman as a result of we’re keen to struggle him.
“We want that fight,” the coach continued. “I do not suppose he can run no extra. Lawrence will struggle in Germany. Lawrence just isn’t bothered, he’ll struggle right here, there, anyplace.
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Chris Billam-Smith admits potential bouts with former foe Lawrence Okolie and Deontay Wilder might tempt him to maneuver up from the cruiserweight division.
“That’s a fight we’ll want and I’m hugely confident that we’ll beat the boogeyman of the heavyweight division, so-called.”
He want to see that struggle happen in April or Could. Frank Warren, who promotes each Kabayel and Okolie, likes that match-up.
Warren advised Sky Sports activities: “It’d be a great fight for [Kabayel]. [Okolie] is a good fighter, he’s a quality fighter and he’s settled down in the heavyweight division. He’s up for a big fight.”
If he can beat Kabayel, successful the WBC’s Interim belt would see him turn out to be the eventual necessary challenger for the total world title. Usyk has been granted permission by the WBC to make a voluntary defence of the title, however then he should face his necessary.
“Usyk, if he does have this [voluntary] fight, whoever he fights against, after that he’s going to have to defend against Agit or if he doesn’t defend he’ll have to vacate his belt,” Warren stated. “Simple as that.”
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Chris Billam-Smith despatched the hometown crowd wild as he delivered Lawrence Okolie’s first knockdown of his skilled profession.
Okolie has had messy fights at cruiserweight and been extensively criticised for clinching too usually. However he is stuffed into heavyweight and scored a powerful win over Kevin Lerena final yr.
Gallagher is satisfied that Okolie is provided to ultimately turn out to be a world champion at heavyweight.
“I think if he’s given the opportunity and given good notice and a proper camp, I think he will,” the coach stated. “I think it’s a matter of time.”
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