Lawrence Okolie has confirmed his interest in a potential showdown with Moses Itauma, hoping to take himself one step closer towards a world title shot.
The former world cruiserweight champion will return to action this Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, against Ebenezer Tetteh, a relatively short-notice opponent.
But with Okolie expected to storm through his assignment in double-quick fashion, his mind has already drifted towards a more meaningful challenge.
It was announced at the WBC convention earlier this month that the 33-year-old has been ordered to face Itauma in a final eliminator for Oleksandr Usyk’s belt.
And while Okolie must first take care of business this weekend, he has nonetheless insisted that a clash with the 20-year-old prodigy very much piques his interest.
Itauma, meanwhile, also has his hands full, with an intriguing test against durable customer Jermaine Franklin taking place on January 24 at the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester.
Headlining the Queensberry Promotions event next month, Itauma, whose last nine outings have gone no further than two rounds, is expected to encounter his toughest challenge thus far.
But Okolie, of course, is no stranger to the young knockout artist, having previously shared rounds with the then-15-year-old prospect in sparring.
Since then, Itauma has only continued to develop his formidable reputation, with many regarding him as the heir apparent to bona fide heavyweight king Usyk.
But despite the undefeated southpaw’s undeniable talent and potential, Okolie has told Boxing News that the WBC final eliminator will certainly be on his radar in 2026.
“I’ve already said yes [to Queensberry] – I’m up for boxing Moses. I hope he says the same, and we’ll make that one happen after we both win our next fights.
“In a fight against someone like Moses, who’s a huge name in the UK, it’s like, ‘Okay, am I still young and strong and powerful enough to continue my trajectory? Or is this new young hotshot going to be the one [to end his ambition of winning a world heavyweight title]?’ I want to find out.”
“[Franklin] is going to be a really good learning fight for him. If he’s not able to knock him out early, he’s going to gain some valuable experience.
“[But] I hope [Itauma] knocks him out in the first round, so he doesn’t learn anything. And then, when me and him fight, there can still be those questions.”
