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

Tyson Fury: Oleksandr Usyk will be begging me for trilogy by end of year! 'Without belts, I'm still the man'

Tyson Fury: Oleksandr Usyk will be begging me for trilogy by end of year! 'Without belts, I'm still the man'

Tyson Fury believes he will set a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk before the year is out.Fury and Usyk have met in two memorable heavyweight contests,...

Tyson Fury: Anthony Joshua's tragic loss inspired my boxing comeback | 'Anything could happen, never put things off'

Tyson Fury: Anthony Joshua's tragic loss inspired my boxing comeback | 'Anything could happen, never put things off'

Tyson Fury was inspired to return to boxing by the tragic accident that saw Anthony Joshua lose two of his closest friends.Fury and Joshua, two of Bri...

Moses Itauma would 'love a shot' at Oleksandr Usyk, but why would he want to fight a 21-year-old?

Moses Itauma would 'love a shot' at Oleksandr Usyk, but why would he want to fight a 21-year-old?

Rising heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma would welcome a fight with the best in the division, Oleksandr Usyk.But Itauma, only 21 years old and already t...

Tyson Fury to train himself for Arslanbek Makhmudov comeback fight: 'That might be the end. I might retire again!'

Tyson Fury to train himself for Arslanbek Makhmudov comeback fight: 'That might be the end. I might retire again!'

Tyson Fury is returning to boxing for what could be the final run of his celebrated career.He will box hard-punching contender Arslanbek Makhmudov on...

Conor Benn targets Ryan Garcia and world title, rules out Floyd Mayweather bout but would box Chris Eubank Jr at 168lbs

Conor Benn targets Ryan Garcia and world title, rules out Floyd Mayweather bout but would box Chris Eubank Jr at 168lbs

Conor Benn will target a “mega-fight” with Ryan Garcia after signing with new promoter Zuffa Boxing, but also revealed he is open to another bout with...

Tysie Gallagher, Britain's first female super-bantam champion, and more added to Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper bill

Tysie Gallagher, Britain's first female super-bantam champion, and more added to Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper bill

Tysie Gallagher, Britain's first female super-bantamweight champion, IBF No 1 Elizabeth Oshoba and former WBA titlist Shannon Courtenay will box on th...