Lawrence Okolie is reportedly in talks to face the biggest test of his career after back-to-back first-round knockouts in 2024.
After winning the vacant WBC Silver heavyweight championship in December, Lawrence Okolie needs a big-name opponent to not only give him a tough test but to solidify himself as a star. According to reports from ESPN, Okolie is close to getting a formidable challenge in the ring to begin the new year.
ESPN reports Okolie and his team are in active negotiations to face Cuban powerhouse Luis Ortiz later this year, potentially in the UK. Since signing with Queensberry Promotions, he’s expressed a desire for an active schedule as he moves closer to challenging for a heavyweight world title belt.
An exact targeted date hasn’t been reported for the potential Okolie vs. Ortiz fight, but talks are expected to be finalized in the coming days. Ortiz hasn’t fought since knocking out Francisco Cordero in his return from retirement last January.
Lawrence Okolie vs. Luis Ortiz is in the works for heavyweight brawl
Before the Cordero win, Ortiz seemed destined for retirement after a unanimous decision defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in Sept. 2022. But, the 45-year-old appears to be going nowhere anytime soon as he vies for one more shot at a heavyweight world championship.
During his career, Ortiz has defeated the likes of Malik Scott, Travis Kauffman, and Charles Martin. He’s suffered two knockout losses to Deontay Wilder after winning the then-vacant WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title in 2016.
Okolie earned two quick knockout victories since suffering his first-career loss to Chris Billam-Smith by majority decision to relinquish the WBO cruiserweight title. He finished Lukasz Rozanski last May before flattening Hussein Muhamed last month.
Lawrence Okolie faces Luis Ortiz as he continues his run to the top of the heavyweight division
Okolie vs. Ortiz could potentially headline at either The O2 Arena or Wembley Arena, assuming negotiations go smoothly in the coming days. Neither heavyweight has publically confirmed nor denied the reported fight booking.
The Okolie vs. Ortiz rumors come just weeks before another massive heavyweight matchup in Riyadh. Daniel Dubois will return to the ring for his first fight since knocking out Anthony Joshua last year, facing Joseph Parker on February 22nd.
Oleksandr Usyk outpointed Tyson Fury in their rematch last month, and Fury recently announced his retirement from boxing. The sport is in desperate need of more heavyweight stars, and Okolie fits the bill, especially if he can put on another triumphant performance against Ortiz.
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