By British boxer Lawrence Okolie is gearing up for a historic fight against Lukasz Rozanski in Rzeszow, Poland, aiming to become the UK’s first bridgerweight world champion. Okolie is set to face a challenging atmosphere at the Podprommie Arena, Rozanski’s home turf, but he remains unfazed, viewing the hostility as motivation to showcase his superior skills.
Okolie, the former WBO cruiserweight champion, acknowledges Rozanski’s impressive knockout record but is confident that the Polish champion has yet to encounter a fighter of Okolie’s caliber. With 14 knockouts in 15 wins, Rozanski’s prowess is undeniable, yet Okolie is determined to prove that he is a cut above.
The bout marks Okolie’s first venture above the 200lb cruiserweight limit, stepping into the bridgerweight class with the intention of unleashing more power. Weighing in at 101.4 kilos, just under the bridgerweight limit, Okolie describes the experience as vastly different from his previous weight cuts.
Okolie’s shift in weight class is not just about physicality; it’s a strategic move to revitalize his career. He expresses a desire to fight with explosive energy, driven by the need to make his time away from his son count.
Rozanski, known for his quick knockouts, presents a formidable challenge, but Okolie sees this as an opportunity to demonstrate his own knockout capabilities. Reflecting on his last fight, a defeat that cost him the WBO title, Okolie supports Chris Billam-Smith in his upcoming defense, citing Billam-Smith’s form and acknowledging the potential impact of Riakporhe’s punching power.
As the fight night approaches, Okolie is ready to confront the boos and prove his worth in the ring, aiming for a victory that resonates beyond the paycheck—a victory that solidifies his place in boxing history.
