Lawrence Okolie expects more British boxers to fight in Nigeria

The fight in Lagos fits into Okolie’s plan to gain another world title, this time at heavyweight, in 2026.

He has fought at that weight twice since making his decision to move up, with July’s unanimous points decision over Kevin Lerena in London his most recent victory.

Earlier this month, the WBC ordered Okolie and unbeaten 20-year-old Itauma, who is due to fight American Jermaine Franklin in January, to meet in a final eliminator, with the winner to be named mandatory challenger for a shot next year at the world title.

And it seems the older fighter is enjoying the perks of no longer having to worry about tipping the wrong side of the scales.

“I’ve been eating a lot”, said Okolie, laughing.

“I don’t have to drain myself how I used to 10 years ago. It allows me to enjoy my training a lot more because I’m not starving myself.”

The Lagos event, tagged ‘Chaos in the Ring’, features an undercard containing a mix of established European names alongside up-and-coming African talent.

Among the bouts, Harley Benn, son of Nigel Benn, faces Ghana’s Elvis Ahorgah in a super middleweight contest, while French heavyweight Tony Yoka, who beat Joe Joyce to Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games, takes on German veteran Patrick Korte.

Okolie, who tops the bill, hopes to see a new wave of talent inspired in his parents’ homeland.

“I think there’s a lot of infrastructure that’s planned for Nigeria over the next five to 10 years.

“That raw, natural talent and ability must be in the roots.”