Lawrence Okolie is a British professional boxer and two-weight world champion, known for his physical prowess and technical refinement. He was born on December 16, 1992, in Hackney, London, to Nigerian parents. Struggling with obesity and bullying during his teenage years, Okolie began boxing at the age of 17 to improve his health and self-esteem. Inspired by watching Anthony Joshua win Olympic gold in 2012, he committed fully to the sport and quickly showed promise in the amateur ranks, representing Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics with limited experience.
Early Life & Amateur Background
Originally weighing over 19 stones and working at McDonald’s, Okolie’s introduction to boxing led to remarkable transformation. He trained at Repton and Dagenham boxing clubs, earning a place in the GB squad after only a dozen amateur fights. His rise through the amateur system culminated in Olympic qualification and marked him as a raw, powerful talent.
Professional Career
Okolie turned professional in March 2017, partnering with prominent promoters to begin his career in the cruiserweight division. Early stoppage victories showcased his heavy hands and athleticism. In 2018, he secured the WBA Continental title by defeating Isaac Chamberlain and captured the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles shortly thereafter.
In 2019, Okolie claimed the European cruiserweight title with a stoppage over Yves Ngabu. His breakthrough came in March 2021 when he defeated Krzysztof Głowacki for the vacant WBO cruiserweight world championship via sixth-round knockout. He defended the title multiple times before suffering his first defeat in May 2023, losing by decision to Chris Billam‑Smith.
Following that bout, Okolie transitioned into new divisions. He secured the WBC bridgerweight title in May 2024 before vacating it later that year to move up to heavyweight. In December 2024, he debuted at heavyweight with a first-round stoppage of Hussein Muhamed. That victory elevated his heavyweight ranking and positioned him as a contender in a third weight class—an ambition he plans to pursue in the near future.