Former cruiserweight and bridgerweight world champion Lawrence Okolie has thrown down a challenge to Britain’s fast-rising heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma, saying he is ready to face the 20-year-old sensation before he becomes too experienced. Speaking in an interview on Thursday, Okolie made it clear that he sees the unbeaten powerhouse as both a threat and an opportunity.
Itauma has rapidly established himself as one of boxing’s most feared young heavyweights, boasting a perfect 13-0 record with 11 knockouts. His stock rose even higher earlier this month when he stunned Dillian Whyte with a brutal first-round knockout in Saudi Arabia on August 16, marking the most significant win of his career to date. The performance further cemented comparisons between Itauma and greats such as Mike Tyson, with many in the sport tipping him for future world titles.
Asked about the prospect of sharing the ring with Itauma, Okolie was unequivocal. “Absolutely, yeah. Next. He’s one of the only boxers I can say I’m a fan of, maybe because he’s young or whatever else,” he admitted. “But if there’s a time to fight him, it’s before he gets too much experience. The guy’s 13-0, great KO power, great everything, but maybe someone can old-man him—it’s time now.”
Okolie, who has already tested the waters in the heavyweight division, holds two fights at the weight class, including a victory over Kevin Lerena in July. A clash with Itauma, therefore, would not only add intrigue to his résumé but also provide him with the chance to derail the rise of Britain’s brightest new heavyweight star.
While no talks have yet been confirmed, the callout has sparked excitement among fans who view a potential showdown as a battle between youth and experience. For Itauma, the bout could represent another step toward superstardom, while for Okolie, it offers a shot at making a statement in the heavyweight division at a crucial stage of his career.
