Lawrence Okolie predicts he will meet Daniel Dubois in a future world heavyweight championship unification
By Marko Tankosic
SME News Balkan. British heavyweight contender Lawrence Okolie believes the WBC heavyweight title picture could change dramatically later this year, predicting that current champion Oleksandr Usyk may vacate the belt following his upcoming crossover bout.
Okolie, currently ranked as the WBC’s No. 1 contender, has outlined an ambitious path that could eventually lead to a world title fight against interim champion Agit Kabayel.
However, the British fighter must first overcome a major obstacle when he faces Olympic champion Tony Yoka in Paris on April 25.
Okolie’s Road to a Heavyweight World Title
The former cruiserweight champion has mapped out a three-step plan that could place him at the top of the heavyweight division.
A victory over Yoka would strengthen Okolie’s position as the leading challenger for the WBC belt. If Usyk does not defend the title against Kabayel within the required timeframe, Okolie believes the sanctioning body could strip the Ukrainian champion.
In that scenario, Okolie expects to fight Kabayel for the vacant WBC heavyweight championship.
Okolie has openly called on the World Boxing Council to enforce its mandatory rules if the title defense does not happen.
Usyk’s Schedule Creates Uncertainty
Usyk, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in boxing, is currently preparing for an unusual crossover fight against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven.
The bout has raised questions about when the undisputed champion will return to defend his heavyweight titles.
Earlier, Usyk also chose not to defend his WBO title against mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley, further complicating the championship landscape.
Okolie Predicts Dubois Victory in WBO Title Fight
While focusing on his own path, Okolie has also made a prediction regarding another major heavyweight clash.
He believes British powerhouse Daniel Dubois will defeat Wardley in their upcoming WBO heavyweight title fight.
According to Okolie, Dubois’ experience at the highest level and his punching power could prove decisive in the matchup.
The British contender has sparred with Dubois extensively during their time in the Great Britain amateur system, giving him insight into the former world title challenger’s strengths.
A Future British Heavyweight Showdown?
Okolie even suggested that a future world title unification bout with Dubois could be possible if both fighters win their upcoming fights.
“My aim is to win in France, win in Germany, then win in England and be king of it all,” Okolie said when discussing his long-term ambitions.
The heavyweight division is currently undergoing a transition period, with several top contenders battling for championship opportunities.
If Okolie defeats Yoka and the WBC title situation unfolds as he predicts, the British fighter could soon find himself competing for the biggest prize in boxing.
