Boxing Dec 07, 2025

Lawrence Okolie open to boxing Moses Itauma in final eliminator for WBC heavyweight world title

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Lawrence Okolie open to boxing Moses Itauma in final eliminator for WBC heavyweight world title

Lawrence Okolie is open to boxing Moses Itauma in a clash that would lead the winner to a future world title shot.

The WBC has ordered a final eliminator for the world championship between the two British heavyweights.

Oleksandr Usyk is the full WBC world champion while Agit Kabayel is their Interim heavyweight titlist.

Okolie, a world titlist at cruiserweight and in the new bridgerweight division, is the No 1 rated contender in the WBC's heavyweight rankings and is open to boxing Itauma, their No 4, in an eliminator.

Joe Gallagher, Okolie's trainer, told SportNews: "I petitioned for him to be made mandatory [challenger]. Kabayel's having a fight in January, Usyk they're allowing a voluntary [defence]. AJ ranked No 3 and Dubois No 2 weren't available to fight at the moment so they made Lawrence and Moses as a final eliminator, which was a surprise."

Gallagher added: "Whether it happens or not, I'm not sure. I doubt it. But Lawrence is here to fight everyone and anyone so that's where we are."

Both Okolie and Itauma have other fights lined up next. Okolie is due to box in Nigeria on December 19, while Itauma is set to box Jermaine Franklin in Manchester on January 24.

Itauma is still only 20 years old and has just had 13 professional fights. But he could serve notice of his world class credentials against Franklin next month.

Ben Davison, Itauma's trainer, wouldn't hold the young fighter back from challenging Usyk. In fact he'd advise Itauma to go for that fight.

"I would take it," Davison previously told SportNews. "I would. I think it's a win-win. As much as Moses hasn't boxed anybody like Usyk, I don't think Usyk's boxed anybody like Moses. I think he would openly say that himself.

"It's something he [Itauma] would be up for. I think he's got the mindset: if you're taking a dive [into the deep end] you might as well take the dive. Hopefully we may end up in a world title fight."

Tags:

boxing news id:13478912

Share this article

Related Posts

Tiara Brown and Oshae Jones to make world title defences against Hannah Rapp and Elia Carranza on June 13 MVP bill

Tiara Brown and Oshae Jones to make world title defences against Hannah Rapp and Elia Carranza on June 13 MVP bill

Tiara Brown and Oshae Jones will put their world championships on the line against Hannah Rapp and Elia Carranza on June 13 at Caribe Royale Resort in...

Moses Itauma now looking to win heavyweight world championship 'as soon as possible'

Moses Itauma now looking to win heavyweight world championship 'as soon as possible'

Moses Itauma will look to win a world heavyweight title "as soon as possible," his trainer Ben Davison says.Itauma has already moved quickly for a pre...

Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller defeats Lenier Pero in slugfest win in WBA title eliminator with Deontay Wilder lined up next

Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller defeats Lenier Pero in slugfest win in WBA title eliminator with Deontay Wilder lined up next

Jarrell Miller could face Deontay Wilder next after he defeated Lenier Pero in a unanimous points decision in a WBA title eliminator in Las Vegas.Mill...

Naoya Inoue defeats Junto Nakatani to defend his undisputed super-bantamweight crown in Tokyo

Naoya Inoue defeats Junto Nakatani to defend his undisputed super-bantamweight crown in Tokyo

Naoya Inoue defeated Junto Nakatani to defend his undisputed super-bantamweight crown in one of the biggest fights in Japanese boxing history.After 12...

David Benavidez calls out Canelo Alvarez after destroying Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez to capture the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles

David Benavidez calls out Canelo Alvarez after destroying Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez to capture the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles

David Benavidez put on a show with Canelo Alvarez sitting ringside on Saturday night, moving up 25 pounds in weight and dominating former sparring par...

Anthony Joshua right to take warm-up before Tyson Fury, says Ben Davison | 'Most people can’t even comprehend the pressure'

Anthony Joshua right to take warm-up before Tyson Fury, says Ben Davison | 'Most people can’t even comprehend the pressure'

Anthony Joshua is making the right decision to take a tune up fight before boxing Tyson Fury, says Ben Davison, who’s trained both men.Joshua is set t...