LAWRENCE OKOLIE will back mentor Anthony Joshua in his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk. This will allow them to continue packing stadiums together.
Okolie won the first defense of his WBO cruiserweight title by defeating Dilan Prasovic with a walkover knockout.
Lawrence Okolie defeated Dilan Prasovic
His position as chief support to superstar AJ meant that most Tottenham's 62,000+ seats were filled for his dominant win and routine.
Okolie was unable to watch the disaster unfold for Joshua, his friend and manager.
Already, AJ has stated that he will exercise his right for an immediate rematch. This decision was supported by Okolie.
SunSport quoted him as saying: "It's how it should be. The opportunity to box for heavyweight world titles is yours.
"That's it, that's what it is. He's got more to do, he has a lot of stuff to work on, and it gives the potential to make it a very different fight in a rematch."
Joshua, 31, was in a similar situation in 2019 after he lost a shocking stoppage to Andy Ruiz Jr., 32, in New York.
BETTING SPECIAL GET 30/1 ON FURY OR 50/1 ON WILDER FOR HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CLASHSix months later, he was able to reclaim his belts and his reputation with 36 minutes of incredible boxing in Saudi Arabia.
Okolie believes it won't be as easy this time, but AJ is already back at the drawing board.
He stated that he was in good spirits which was a good thing to hear. It was obviously disappointing because I always wanted to see him win.
"But he bounced back before, and I believe that he will bounce again.
"This is a world-class sport at the end of it all. World-class athletes against world-class athletes
"It's difficult to keep beating everyone convincingly. I get that, but I'd have liked to see him win."
Joshua has headlined at three stadiums in the UK: Wembley and Cardiff's Principality, as well as Spurs' North London home.
Britain will continue to search for the next ticket seller, despite Tyson Fury, 33-year-old heavyweight competitor, being a Stateside businessman for the past three years.
Okolie is a strong candidate for the job, with the right credentials and support, but he cautioned that his resume still needs to be improved.
He is content to share the spotlight right now with Joshua, who is looking to become a three time heavyweight champion.
Okolie said: "I would still love to do it alongside. It doesn't even need to be the same show."
"He fills out stadiums, I fill them out." That level is what I want, naturally.
"But that takes consistency. You have to be consistent, defend your titles, build, and pay your dues.
"I have paid many dues but you must pay more to reach that level."
Okolie is seeking unification bouts but, before he returns to the ring he has teamed with his former employers McDonald's to launch a Plan for Change. Campaign.
By 2024, youth workers will be connected to every community's restaurant. There will also be 3,000 apprenticeship positions by 2025. One million people will have new skills and opportunities to work by 2030.
Okolie stated: "Working for McDonald's gave my stability and direction, but also opportunities and training."
"It was one of the most memorable times in my life. I worked with my brother, made friends that I still have close to, and learned things like respect, punctuality, confidence, and respect.
It was there that I saw Anthony Joshua win the 2012 Olympics while on a break from the crew room. This inspired me to train hard and achieve my goals.
"Anything is possible if we work hard enough, and I encourage young people to believe that they can do anything.
- World Champion Boxer Lawrence Okolie and McDonald's have teamed up to launch a new campaign to improve the lives of thousands of young people. To find out more, visit mcdonalds.co.uk/planforchange
