Lawrence Okolie signs with Frank Warren’s Queensberry for heavyweight debut

Former cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie has signed a promotional deal with Frank Warren’s Queensberry as he prepares to make his debut at heavyweight.

The 31-year-old Briton had two years as cruiserweight world champion and a short spell at bridgerweight.

Warren promotes some of the best heavyweights in the division, including Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois.

“If you are a heavyweight in Britain or the world, it is the Warrens,” Okolie said.

“They’ve got the best up-and-coming heavyweights, the best current heavyweights and the best who are on their way out. So it is the place to be.”

Okolie has had spells at Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom and most recently with Ben Shalom’s Boxxer.

Okolie has only one defeat on his 21-fight record – to Chris Billam-Smith in 2023 – and has long mooted a move to heavyweight.

Okolie is a long-time friend and training partner of two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua.

Warren also promotes Joe Joyce, Zhilei Zhang, Joseph Parker and Moses Itauma.

“Lawrence possesses all the attributes to make a big impact at heavyweight and he will relish being released of the burden of cutting weight, allowing his natural talent and power to shine through,” Warren said.