WBSS final: Lawrence Okolie ready to step up to European level
Lawrence Okolie has disclosed he jumped at the chance to challenge Yves Ngabu to the European cruiserweight title.
Okolie will take on the Regis Prograis-Josh Taylor undercard at The O2 on October 26 on Ngabu, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Since joining the pro ranks in 2017 the Hackney fighter, who has won 13 of his battles and picked up the British and Commonwealth titles, did not hesitate when given the opportunity to step up in class against the undefeated Belgian.
“I just think that if you’re young and competent [to combat ] then you ought to do,” said Okolie during Monday’s press conference.
“This will be the third champion I’ve boxed. I have beaten the Commonwealth champion, I’ve beaten the British champion and I am excited about beating on the European winner.
“He has got a great team. I’ve heard a lot of interviews I like the way he speaks confidently.
“I am just excited about putting myself in training camp and going to do the job.
“It is definitely going to be very, very fine, really exciting. He has got a sort of style that is almost contrary to mine.
“He’s a come-forward fighter but that he also knows how to ship. He’s got good power punching and various other things like that, so there’s definitely going to be a whole great deal of things I’m going to have to manage at the night, however that I will deal with each one of these comfortably.”
Ngabu (20-0, KOs 14) will be fighting for the first time outside his native Belgium but the 30-year-old is convinced of defending his title for the third time.
“He [Okolie] is a good fighter. He’s tall, he’s powerful and what until now he did perfect, but I believe I could beat him and that I believe I’m stronger than him and we’ll watch on October 26,” said Ngabu.
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