LAWRENCE OKOLINE can breathe a sigh of relief.

After years of talks about moving up to heavyweight, he is now officially part of the sports division.

The former WBO cruiserweight and WBC bridgeweight champion made it official last month with a double announcement. Having fought under the Matchroom and Boxxer banners in recent years, Okolie is now a Queensberry fighter and the latest addition to a line-up of talented heavyweights that includes Daniel Dubois and Moses Itauma.

Okolie will make his debut for Frank Warren’s team on December 7 against Hussein Mohamed (18-1 (14 KO)) at Wembley Arena.

Over Zoom Okolie talked about his happiness when he finally joined the heavyweights.

“No more weight gain,” he said.

“I still get incensed about eating cake and stuff, which I thought was the main problem for heavyweights, but I guess that’s not the case.”

The conversation turned to cake, and Okolie preferred Victoria Sponge or Red Velvet. But Okolie knows, after being caught eating one, that he can’t just fill his face with whatever he wants, even though he’s not burdened with the burden of gaining weight.

“My manager was at the restaurant we run,” he recalls.

“He’s my business partner and he has access to the cameras. I was there, minding my own business. I ordered an omelette and a few other little things. I come to start sparring and I said, “You know, oh my God, there’s a fresh dough here, let me try it.” And then I got Red Velvet. I ate it and it was great. I got the message and he said, “Cake for breakfast?” And I said, “Where is he?” And I realized he could see the cameras, so I had to stop eating.

“I have to delay gratification, and then after camp I’ll have a great Christmas and Modern Year, and then I’ll get into a massive fight. But I don’t underestimate this guy. I have to beat him.”

Okolie has had a rewarding career so far, but there have been some ups and downs along the way. The former Team GB member and 2016 Olympian knows all too well about massive fight nights and how to handle the massive occasion. However, the heavyweight division is almost its own entity and creates a different kind of magic on fight night.

Over the past 12 months, we have seen some of the sport’s biggest players come to life with various top contender fights and world title fights, culminating in Oleksandr Usyk becoming undisputed champion. It’s a memorable period for a weight class that has often disappointed this century.

As a fan, Okolie follows developments.

“When it was AJ, Wilder and Fury – if they were boxing each other – you were lucky to get a fight with one of them. While a lot of people are getting great opportunities right now, a lot of people are fighting great fights. It was going to be great fight after great heavyweight fight. In the heavyweight division, you can’t run away from a great fight. There is fatigue, there is impact, there is strength and determination.

Winning the WBC Bridgerweight belt put Okolie in the top five of the heavyweight rankings. His one-round demolition of Łukasz Różański in May gave ‘The Sauce’ confidence after the Bournemouth disappointment 18 months ago against Chris Billam-Smith. However, losing the cruiserweight world title could prove to be a blessing for Okolie.

When the first bell sounds for Okolie’s heavyweight debut, Joe Gallagher will be in the corner for their second fight together. It seemed unlikely at first, but Okolie’s devastating win over Rozanski showed signs – albeit against a weaker opponent – that the Manchester coach could bring out of his team the hard-hitting knockout artist Okolie has shown in the past.

Okolie revealed what Gallagher instilled in him during their time together.

“It’s more of a mental thing than anything else. Because one thing that he instilled in me – and I want to show in December and then in the future – is that I have all these skills and I feel very comfortable. I put in really good work, I absorb information well and implement it. But sometimes I found myself thinking too much.

“What I found was, ‘Oh, I have to find the perfect counter.’ And if I do, what will he do? I just do algebra and play 3D chess when all you need to do is play chess. And then you end up losing your balance because the other person isn’t playing the same game, they’re just trying to argue. So you think too much about what they’re doing and then you miss the opportunity to do your own thing. So it’s really good.”

Those who have followed Okolie’s career know that there are two sides to him. One where he lets go of his hands and the other where he turns fights into an eye sore. So will we see the former moving forward?

“Definitely. I have no other choice,” he replied.

“The challenge I have with the heavyweights is that nine times out of ten they’re all going to be bigger than me. Maybe they’ll have heavier hands and expect to step on me like, “Oh, he’s just a cruiserweight.” So I have to earn their respect. And the only way to achieve this is through action. I’m not going to say, hey, if you hit me, see what I’ll do. I have to really show it in the ring. So the good thing is that it will force me. If I want to defend myself and win fights, I’m going to have to do some damage. And then hopefully I’ll make a name for myself in the heavyweight division.”

Okolie has a more relaxed character. Happiness, the smile that was missing. Perhaps moving up to heavyweight was the solution all along. However, to get there, he had to survive like all competitors. Suffering and sacrifice is part of the deal, but Okolie is here and wants to be a problem for the heavyweight division. Okolie has a theory as to why he feels different these days.

“I think boxing is more about proving things to yourself, number one. And secondly, obviously not having to gain weight is huge. And third, being the underdog. It created a whole fresh, invigorating feeling.

“It’s perilous. I feel like an adrenaline junkie. Even the fight I enter next, even though I expect to stop this guy, is still a 250-260 pound guy.

“He will throw punches in the ring and he will be knocked out. I feel like an adrenaline junkie, there is a danger factor. But when I win, how good will it look? Unlike when I beat all those tough fucking cruiserweights from Eastern Europe.

SINCE Anthony Joshua suffered SUCH a brutal defeat to Daniel Dubois, there has been a lot of talk about what’s left for him. Still, boxing fans, especially those in the UK, must remember everything he did for the sport.

From winning gold at the 2012 Olympics to winning the world title in just his 16th fight, he arguably brought heavyweight boxing back to the country when it had been in the doldrums for some time.

Although his playing style has been criticized over the last few years, there is no doubt that he has incredibly massive hands. With an 89% knockout rate, he has had some spectacular stoppages throughout his career.

In this article, we will analyze his five best knockout performances. Please note that this is based on opinions. With so many knockouts in his career, there is no doubt that people will have their own unique rankings.

5. Charles Martin – taking the princely crown by force

Last night, Anthony Joshua won the IBF heavyweight title. “AJ’s” large night took place in 2016 at the 02 Arena in London against newly crowned champion Charles Martin. Joshua dominated from the opening bell; he constrained his opponent to fighting on the back foot and landed a significant straight right hand at the end of the bell. It took him just one minute into the second round to get his first knockdown.

Joshua easily slipped out of Martin’s southpaw right hand and landed a counter right hand straight into the pipe, knocking the American down. Martin did break the counter, but just five seconds after getting to his feet, Joshua fired an identical shot, knocking his man down a second time. Referee Jean Pierre Van Imschoot waved his hand and gave Joshua the first critical step in his career.

4. Dominic Breazeale – No problems for AJ when the oak finally falls

Joshua’s first defense of his IBF title came against previously undefeated Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale. This fight was a arduous one for “AJ” on paper, as he was fighting a man who was not only heavy-handed, but also used to ending his fights early. Still, Joshua dominated. After a still start, Joshua landed a right uppercut and a left hook that sent his opponent stumbling across the ring.

For the next few rounds, “AJ” took over the dominance, and California became very tired. It all ended in the seventh set when Joshua landed a massive combination of punches, knocking his opponent to the ground. To his credit, Breazeale stood up; However, after Joshua backed him up again, he was knocked down a second time, prompting the referee to call a stoppage to the fight.

3. Dillian Whyte – grudge match decided after carnage and KO

The preparations for this grudge match were sensational. After losing to Whyte in the amateur category, AJ wanted to make amends. The fight took place in December 2015 and was certainly up to the challenge. Havoc broke out at the end of the opener after Joshua punched the bell. Whyte appeared to have lost the plot and his team rushed the ring, cornering their man to prevent further damage.

At the beginning of the second half, fierce fighting resumed. Both had successes of their own, with Whyte looking like he rocked his fighter towards the end of the round. The fighting pattern continued until seven o’clock. Joshua’s condition proved too much for Whyte, as he landed a large right hand and then an uppercut to knock down the Brixton fighter. This prompted Howard Foster to call off the contest after Whyte was placed on his back.

2. Francis Ngannou – saving the face of heavyweight boxing after the Francis vs. farce Fury

Many people may wonder why this knockout is so high in the rankings; however, his truly destructive nature forces him to be so high. Last summer, in a fight dubbed “Knockout Chaos,” Joshua faced Francis Ngannou in Riyad, Saudi Arabia. Ngannou, originally an MMA fighter, had an impressive performance in his match against Tyson Fury, after which many felt it was a tough loss, especially since he managed to knock down the “Gypsy King”.

However, he was not as successful against Joshua. After being replaced southpaw in the first round, he was punished and dropped with a straight right hand into the pipe. The second round was even more barbaric. Francis was knocked down again with a similar shot, and Joshua got back to his feet a second time and floored him with a powerful right hand. This left Ngannou on the canvas for several minutes.

1. Vladimir Klitschko – Anthony Joshua gains the first credible name

Even though the gala took place in 2017, many boxing people still consider it to be Joshua’s biggest ever. Defending his IBF belt for the second time, Joshua faced former unified world champion, Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko, at Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 fans. The fight was named Fight of the Year by Ring magazine.

The first four rounds were careful and tactical, and none of the fighters wanted to give even one step to their opponent. Nevertheless, in the fifth set, Joshua unleashed a powerful series of punches, knocking the Ukrainian to the ground. Many thought this was the beginning of the end for the 41-year-old, but in the sixth round he knocked him out himself, sending Joshua to the field for the first time in his career.

The next rounds were similar in nature to those at the beginning of the fight. However, the decisive factor was the youth of “AJ”, who knocked down his fighter after a powerful uppercut and several combinations. After getting back to his feet, Joshua attacked him again with a left hook, knocking him down for the third time in the fight. The brave Ukrainian got up, but after an incredible display of fitness, Joshua backed his fighter into the corner, forcing the referee to call off the fight.

Joshua has delivered many standout performances throughout his career, and although Dubois has just beaten him, the British crowd has learned one thing about AJ: that he will be back on the field.

Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko exchange blows at Wembley Stadium on April 29, 2017 in London, England (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

I WAS just seven minutes away from the fight hotel in Birmingham. I then uttered the words, “It was a silky trip, without any hiccups,” when the M42 suddenly retaliated. I’m sure the highway police heard me and all exits off the M42 were immediately blocked. Seven minutes turned into 37. The car navigation and its mobile phone equivalent turned on, which was much better at signaling road closures. To be clear, it wasn’t me who was driving, it was my patient wife who was driving. I sensed her stress level rising. My words were chosen very carefully in relation to the long and final 37 minutes of the journey. I didn’t want the fights to start early.

We finally got there. Just a regular brigade of fighters hanging around the hotel foyer, seemingly unbothered by anything. Posing for selfies with friends and family before they had to leave for work. A brutal exchange where one fight, or even one punch, can change everything for them.

The competition for attention combined with tight T-shirts and baggy tracksuits was an extraordinary sight of extreme glamor dazzling bewildered players who came only for blood. They weren’t fight fans. Everyone could see it. We finally have a defined look. Apparently it was a glitzy awards night for a different industry.

A gigantic group of farmers came to the city to appreciate their work. Men dressed and footwear, women looked great in the most fashionable dresses. The only thing missing seemed to be Jeremy Clarkson. Although, truth be told, I could have used it when my food arrived before struggling with the extremely icy fries. Clarkson, like me, doesn’t like icy food when it should be served warm. Although we have different ways of expressing our feelings on such matters.

I was in town not to see the moments of difficult working and unsung farmers, but to watch some boxing courtesy of Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions. The sheer confusion of collecting a media pass is always a lot of fun, and sometimes even risky. This time it was quite a long walk around the back of the senior Birmingham Arena, which used to have an NEC on the front door, looking for a secret door marked A5. Even the security guard who was standing right in front of him didn’t know about his existence at first.

On paper, the program could promise very little. But in reality, it delivered everything and a little more. Saudi-backed programs have, without much discussion, diluted the quality of the home-made product. The frequency and level of programs in the UK have declined, quite significantly for some promotions. But Warren certainly avoided the quality dump better than his rivals. Where some have failed, he has maintained high standards. We saw a bit of that on Saturday night.

The initial fighting was mixed. But they were the ones that largely caught my attention. But the top three fights on the card delivered everything a fight fan could ask for.

Ben Vaughan quickly fought for the WBO European welterweight title against Ekow Essuman. We got blood, courage and a very good fight. Vaughan was incredibly brave and almost pulled out the win despite looking exhausted many times over the course of 10 wild rounds.

It was a fight reminiscent of the classic York Hall fight, in which nobbins would be more than suitable. Essuman, who is in the habit of organizing such fights, proudly carried his belt to breakfast on Sunday morning. Even when he ate from the hotel buffet, he did not part with his precious WBO bauble. For him, she is everything. We saw it the other night. Vaughan will come again. We should not forget what he gave. They both created everything that was good in this sport. A completely unexpected combat gem.

On Friday night, I finally found some time to watch Seniesa Estrada’s brutally candid interview with Crystina Poncher, which they did together for Top Rank. A retirement interview in which Estrada opened up about the physical and psychological brutality that boxing subjects its workers to. Estrada showed extraordinary courage in this interview. Poncher judged the tone perfectly. If you haven’t seen it, you must watch it. It’s riveting to watch. If sometimes it’s a little uncomfortable.

While watching this interview, I thought about Chantelle Cameron at various points. In a different way than Estrada, Cameron suffered from boxing. One can imagine a similar encounter with the former undisputed super lightweight world champion. Boxing hasn’t always been kind to her. Trust me, I’m being nice about this statement.

This year, Cameron changed her promoter and trainer. A period of finding yourself again. She found her love for sports again. Cameron is already there. I thought she showed the improvement she has been talking about since meeting Grant Smith in Sheffield on Saturday night against Patricia Berghult. The partnership is growing. Likewise Cameron.

Cameron scored a one-sided points victory over the former world champion. It will go unnoticed to some, but Cameron made a petite statement in her victory over Berghult. Now we’re looking at a substantial year in 2025. Cameron was ecstatic with her performance. But more importantly, she’s ecstatic again, period. After watching this gut-wrenching interview with Senisa Estrada, I appreciate it more than ever. Boxing demands a lot. It shouldn’t take everything. Estrada is currently writing her life story. Chantelle Cameron will surely do the same one day.

The star of the show in Birmingham was Shabaz Masoud. He may be an even bigger star in the future. A breakthrough performance that earned his promoter a few more points in his little personal, and now warm, rivalry with Frank Warren. Liam Davies lost his IBO super bantamweight title at the hands of the inspired and quite brilliant Masoud. A war inside the ring that was fought in a thunderous and passionate atmosphere and which fortunately did not escalate into anything more. Rival fans who created a real atmosphere of a great fight.

Masoud started quickly, but there was always a feeling that Davies would at some point close this initial and significant points deficit. I have often thought about Colin Jones and his two fights with Kirkland Laing. But despite a few fleeting moments of hope, Davies couldn’t find what he needed. Although one judge somehow and inexplicably declared Davies the winner. I could only give him three rounds from the ring. Even four rounds was a bit generous. In no way, shape or form did Davies win this fight. Boxing never stops finding ways to surprise us. Although it doesn’t really surprise us anymore. That’s where the problem lies. We accept ridiculousness too easily. Although many would exploit much stronger words.