Boxing promoter Ben Shalom has predicted Lawrence Okolie will fight Richard Riakporhe afterwards this 12 months ahead of both of those gentlemen shift up in bodyweight.
Okolie will protect his WBO cruiserweight world title versus required challenger David Mild on March 25 at Manchester Arena.
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The 30-yr-aged is now in the middle of a agreement dispute with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing relating to his advertising position, which is nevertheless to be fixed.
In the meantime, he’s been ordered to facial area Light (20-) in a combat that will consider spot on an upcoming BOXXER clearly show following they received the purse bids for the mandated clash.
On Thursday, Shalom insisted he is delighted to be operating with Okolie and is enthusiastic to encourage the 18- fighter as he hunts extra titles and prepares to test himself at heavyweight.
He informed talkSPORT’s White and Jordan: “[Okolie] is just one of the most gifted fighters in Britain. He’s one of our only world champions. We’ve been waiting around a lengthy time to announce him and he defends his planet title on March 25th.
“He’s just joined up with SugarHill [Steward], who also trains Ben Whittaker and Tyson Fury, which I imagine is an appealing go, a great shift out to Miami.
“There’s so a lot curiosity now in Lawrence Okolie and what he does upcoming. Rightfully or wrongfully, a large amount of controversy bordering him but we are just delighted to have him. He wishes to unify this calendar year, go up to heavyweight and be a true problem.”
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It is expected that Okolie will combat Richard Riakporhe in a cruiserweight unification bout later this yr prior to both equally adult males transfer up a fat class to exam themselves in a division that is household to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Shalom additional: “[Riakporhe] is going to combat for a environment title. He’s going to fight Lawrence Okolie in a single of the major fights, not just in this place, but in the planet cruiserweight division.
“They each want to shift up to heavyweight. It’s a substantial year. I believe we’re going to check out Lawrence Okolie go and unify and win a lot more earth titles.
“I think we’re going to see Richard Riakporhe win his initially entire world title and then I consider we’re going to see them meet up with at the close of the yr.”
BOXXER: Combat Night is stay on talkSPORT, on Saturday 11 February from the OVO Arena. Very last remaining tickets are on sale at Boxxer.com.
