Lawrence Okolie confirms he will move up to heavyweight within two years
- Joe Hewlett
- 18 March 2021
Lawrence Okolie is hoping to end a promising start to 2021 by becoming cruiserweight world champion.
The 2016 Olympian has released a music single titled 'TKO' - which will be played when he walks out on Saturday night - as well as preparing for the release of his first book, 'Dare to Change Your Life'.
The Englishman has the toughest fight of his career this weekend at the SSE Arena in Wembley, with former world titlist Krzysztof Glowacki challenging him for the vacant WBO strap.
Okolie - undefeated in 15 bouts - is hoping it won't be too soon until he moves up to heavyweight and challenges the biggest hitters in the division.
"I hope to step up one day, after three or four title fights at cruiserweight," Okolie told ESPN.
"When it's time to make the transition to heavyweight I will make it well. I will put on a bit of weight, but not too much. I definitely want to unify titles at cruiserweight but it depends how things move with different fighters, and I'm not looking past this one."
It is second time lucky for Okolie after his proposed bout with Glowacki got postponed in December due to the Polish fighter testing positive for Coronavirus.
Instead, Okolie blasted out late replacement Nikodem Jezewski.
"His experience will make Glowacki more confident but that's as far as it goes, it makes him ready," Okolie said.
"But I'm one of those fighters who is only as good as who I am fighting. He's a good fighter, really strong and good at counter boxing.
"After he saw what I did to his countryman I've prepared for a more switched-on fighter, maybe on the backfoot, and a better prepared Glowacki."
Shane [McGuigan] has brought a bit more confidence and made me a bit more set and punching through the target more," he said.
"My mindset has had a massive part to play in it [knockout run]. I've won five-in-a-row by knockout. I'm getting older and there's a lot more at stake now.
"I have a vision of myself and what level I'm at. If I'm not performing, I know it. I apply myself a bit better now than I did before."
