Boxing promoter Ben Shalom has predicted Lawrence Okolie will combat Richard Riakporhe later this yr earlier than each males transfer up in weight.
Okolie will defend his WBO cruiserweight world title towards necessary challenger David Mild on March 25 at Manchester Area.
The 30-year-old is at present in the midst of a contract dispute with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing referring to his promotional standing, which is but to be resolved.
Within the meantime, he’s been ordered to face Mild (20-0) in a combat that can happen on an upcoming BOXXER present after they gained the purse bids for the mandated conflict.
On Thursday, Shalom insisted he’s delighted to be working with Okolie and is worked up to advertise the 18-0 fighter as he hunts extra titles and prepares to check himself at heavyweight.
He instructed talkSPORT’s White and Jordan: “[Okolie] is among the most proficient fighters in Britain. He’s one in all our solely world champions. We’ve been ready a very long time to announce him and he defends his world title on March twenty fifth.
“He’s simply joined up with SugarHill [Steward], who additionally trains Ben Whittaker and Tyson Fury, which I believe is an attention-grabbing transfer, transfer out to Miami.
“There’s a lot curiosity now in Lawrence Okolie and what he does subsequent. Rightfully or wrongfully, loads of controversy surrounding him however we’re simply delighted to have him. He needs to unify this yr, go as much as heavyweight and be an actual drawback.”
It’s expected that Okolie will fight Richard Riakporhe in a cruiserweight unification bout later this year before both men move up a weight class to test themselves in a division that is home to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Shalom added: “[Riakporhe] is going to fight for a world title. He’s going to fight Lawrence Okolie in one of the biggest fights, not just in this country, but in the world cruiserweight division.
“They both want to move up to heavyweight. It’s a massive year. I think we’re going to watch Lawrence Okolie go and unify and win more world titles.
“I think we’re going to see Richard Riakporhe win his first world title and then I think we’re going to see them meet at the end of the year.”
BOXXER: Fight Night is live on talkSPORT, on Saturday 11 February from the OVO Arena. Last remaining tickets are on sale at Boxxer.com.
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Information Abstract:
- Boxing promoter Ben Shalom reveals Lawrence Okolie and Richard Riakporhe will combat later this yr earlier than becoming a member of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua within the heavyweight division
- Verify all information and articles from the most recent Boxing updates.