GBN EXCLUSIVE: Lawrence Okolie talks AJ-Fury, heavyweight plans and more ahead of Glowacki world title shot

Okolie talks cruiserweight domination and reveals future step-up to heavyweight 

British cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie has revealed his plans to dominate the cruiserweight division and move up to heavyweight in the future ahead of his huge world title shot against Krzysztof Glowacki.

The world title challenger has also unveiled his prediction for the undisputed heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, while relaying his desires to continue to broaden his career with future fights over the likes of Mairis Briedis and Ilunga Makabu.

GBN sat down with 'The Sauce' ahead of his maiden world title tilt, and he revealed his plans to take one step at a time to continue his huge surge to the helm of the cruiserweight rankings.

He said: "Yeah, that is the aim eventually (to unify), I cannot overlook my next opponent but that is my goal. This is what I am here for at the end of the day to not just win one world title but to win multiple world titles and the chance to become unified champion. I just want a room full of belts at the end of my career!

I just take every fight and opportunity given to me, one step at a time and see what happens and move on based on that."

With the huge fight between his manager at 258MGT and friend Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, Okolie gave his prediction and declared his personal aspiration to fight on the card later in the year alongside AJ.

"Most certainly I am backing AJ, not only because he is a great friend of my mine but stylistically and as an athlete, I would prefer to see someone like him win the undisputed title.

Yeah, that would be my aim personally to fight on the card, I would like to see it happen later in the year."

With the Hackney born fighter posessing powerful hands and a tall frame, Okolie seems a perfect fit for the heavyweight step-up similarly to Usyk and he has underlined his intention to do so in the future, but insists the focus is on now. Okolie also disclosed his intent to remain composed ahead of future fights, in the light of the recent shock defeat of friend Josh Kelly after a significant step-up, but believes this has worked well so far in his career and will continue to do so.

"Like I said earlier, we will just have to see what happens in the future. One step at a time in my career with full focus on the next fight but yes, I certainly cannot see why not.

"I cannot really speak on any other boxers and I wouldn’t disrespect any other boxer by doing so, but for me it’s been good so far because I find that I can perform better in terms of interest in the gym knowing that it’s not a guaranteed that I am going to win a fight."

Outside of the ring, the 28-year-old has faced well-documented issues of bullying throughout his school life, in addition to his tough upbringing surrounded by crime and abuse in school. However, Okolie revealed how he plans to continue to raise awareness of his experiences, and help other children in the same situation through the continuation of success in his rapid rise in boxing.

"Yeah definitely, it is certainly something that I would like to have more of an impact in. But I think the more that I achieve and do in boxing, the more that the message is going to be heard. This will help me show the difference between how it is in the youngster’s game compared to what you can become."

Okolie also concluded by highlighting the impact of his university studies on his career, studying at the University of East London where he earned his first scholarship in the sport in addition to his degree.

He finished: "They helped massively because I had a sports scholarship at university, and that allowed me to get my first instincts with strength and conditioning. And funnily enough, I still use my same strength and conditioning coach from them days which has helped me as a professional athlete."

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