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Boxing

Ben Shalom names the former world champion who could make move to heavyweight

Ben Shalom names the former world champion who could make move to heavyweightMark Robinson/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images
Ben Shalom has spoken about one of his fighters.

Lawrence Okolie could be about to leave the cruiserweight division and make the jump to heavyweight.  

The 2016 Olympian, a former WBO champion, had things his own way at 200lbs until he ran into Chris Billam-Smith last year and lost his world title when he was dropped multiple times before losing on points. 

Now seeking a fresh challenge, Okolie is considering a leap in weight class with heavyweight and bridgerweight both options for the London man.  

Ben Shalom, Okolie’s promoter, has spoken about the need to go up in weight due to Okolie’s size and heavyweight, where there’s plenty of options, is most certainly an option. 

"I think we're going to look to move up to heavyweight or fight immediately for a world title at bridgerweight," said Shalom when speaking to Sky Sports

"The reason his performances haven't been at the level he was used to is, I do think, the weight, as a 6' 6" guy. This is personal opinion, and especially at that top level, [that] was getting in the way of his very best performances. 

"I think he's looking very seriously at the heavyweight division, possibly bridgerweight first and I think that's where we're going to see Lawrence in the latter stages of his career.” 

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