Lawrence Okolie was born on 16 December 1992 and is a British professional boxer.
23 Facts About Lawrence Okolie
1.
2.
Lawrence Okolie has held world championships in two weight classes, including the World Boxing Council bridgerweight title in 2024, and the World Boxing Organization cruiserweight title from 2021 to 2023.
3.
Lawrence Okolie grew up in Stoke Newington and attended Stoke Newington School.
4.
Lawrence Okolie is a supporter of BoxWise, a UK-based non-profit social enterprise based around boxing.
5.
Lawrence Okolie represented Team GB as a heavyweight at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
6.
Lawrence Okolie beat Igor Pawel Jakubowski from Poland on points and made it to the Round of 16, where he lost to eventual bronze medalist Erislandy Savon of Cuba.
7.
On 18 January 2017, Lawrence Okolie announced his decision to turn professional, signing with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport to compete in the cruiserweight division.
8.
Lawrence Okolie's opponent was 33 year old Geoffrey Cave, who had a record of no wins and two losses.
9.
Lawrence Okolie knocked Rusiewicz down twice in round one en route to a first-round stoppage.
10.
Lawrence Okolie fought on the Kell Brook vs Errol Spence Jr.
11.
Lawrence Okolie went the six-round distance for the first time in his career against Blaise Mendouo.
12.
Lawrence Okolie was taken past the first round for the first time in his professional career.
13.
Lawrence Okolie stopped Williams in the third round, extending his unbeaten record.
14.
Lawrence Okolie next fought on 13 December 2017, closing off his first year as a professional at the York Hall in London.
15.
Lawrence Okolie's opponent was Antonio Sousa in a six-round bout.
16.
On 19 December, Sky Sports confirmed Lawrence Okolie would fight Chamberlain on 3 February 2018 at The O2 Arena.
17.
In front of 8,000 fans in attendance, Lawrence Okolie scored a quick knockdown in the opening round, en route to a dominant one-sided unanimous decision win to capture the vacant WBA Continental title.
18.
In round six, Lawrence Okolie landed a right hand to Chamberlain, forcing his glove to touch the canvas for a second knockdown.
19.
Lawrence Okolie dropped Watkins twice on his way to a third-round stoppage victory.
20.
Lawrence Okolie began using his head on the inside which resulted in him losing points.
21.
Lawrence Okolie fought long-time friend Chris Billam-Smith at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth on 27 May 2023.
22.
Lawrence Okolie vacated the title on 8 October 2024, stating he intended to move up to compete at heavyweight.
23.
Lawrence Okolie made his first appearance at heavyweight on 7 December 2024, with an opening round knockout of German boxer Hussein Muhamed at Wembley Arena in London.