English-born Nigerian cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie will fight a yet to be known opponent in the undercard of the Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev world title bout inside the SSE Arena, Wembley on December 12.
Okolie was initially billed to take on Krzysztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO cruiserweight title, but the fight was cancelled after the Polish boxer tested positive for coronavirus.
The 27-year-old is yet to record adefeat after 14 fights with 11 coming via knockouts.
In this exclusive interview with Completesports.com’s JAMES AGBEREBI, Okolie talks about his unbeaten streak, possibility of fighting in Nigeria and why he decided to become a boxer.
Eleven knockouts in 14 fights, you seem to specialise in taking out your opponents, should we be expecting that in your next fight?
Yeah, 100 per cent. As well as I can win on points I believe my best chance in this fight is to get a knockout.
You are yet to taste defeat after 14 fights. Are you under pressure to maintain your unbeaten streak going into your next fight?
Because I enjoy fighting, it’s more about excitement to me. I’m a fan of boxing and to be in a position to be the fighter it’s a blessing. I’ve been training everyday for this fight and I can say I’m not under any pressure.
When last did you visit Nigeria and any plans to visit soon?
I haven’t been back in a while, but my parents always tell me make sure you when you go back, you go with something and it will be a blessing to go back with a world title.
Any chance you could hold one of your fights in Nigeria?
Me and Anthony Joshua have already spoken about it but once again I don’t want to put any pressure on myself. For now, I can’t give an exact date but it is something we are looking at.
Anthony Joshua and Lawrence Okolie
How knowledgeable are you about Nigerian boxers?
I know about Nigerian boxing and one name that easily comes to mind his Samuel Peter. And currently there are exciting talents in Nigeria as we can see and I can say a lot of my success is down to genetics as a Nigerian, my size, physical strength. This also means in Nigeria there are so many diamonds not yet discovered.
Why did you decide to go into boxing, why not basketball, football or athletics?
I wasn’t good at any other sport. I tried to play football, my dad wanted me to play football, but I wasn’t good. I tried basketball because I’m really tall, I’m 6’5, but I wasn’t good. But for boxing, I wanted to loose some weight then when I got into the ring and started fighting and it was the first time ever coaches said waoh you are good and I loved that feeling and it has gotten me to the Olympics, British, Commonwealth and European titles.
