This previous weekend noticed the tip of Lawrence Okolie’s cruiserweight title reign.
A court docket ruling on Monday noticed the official finish of his contractual ties with former promoter.
Okolie and Matchroom Boxing have reached an settlement to finish a earlier lawsuit following their cut up late final yr. The phrases of the official separation weren’t disclosed thought it seems that either side are content material with the result, nonetheless bittersweet.
“I’m happy to substantiate that Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing, and I’ve collaboratively concluded a settlement,” Okolie introduced on Monday via his verified social media accounts. “I wish to specific my gratitude to Eddie and Matchroom for his or her steering and assist all through my profession, from my skilled debut to turning into a world champ on, and for the alternatives to win numerous titles alongside the way in which.”
The event comes simply two days after Okolie suffered a twelve-round, majority determination defeat to Chris Billam-Smith of their WBO cruiserweight title battle this previous Saturday at Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England.
Okolie (19-1, 14KOs) gained the title in a March 2021 knockout win over former titlist Krzysztof Glowacki, in simply his sixteenth professional battle and whereas nonetheless proudly underneath the Matchroom banner. He would battle twice extra for Matchroom earlier than two had a falling out towards the tip of 2022. Their bitter cut up turned public data instantly after the WBO ordered Okolie to face unbeaten necessary challenger David Mild.
The WBO instantly despatched the matter to a handbag bid as soon as Okolie’s private group—led by Themba Smith—requested that the sanctioning physique now not embrace Matchroom in additional correspondence for this battle. Matchroom naturally objected to the request and insisted {that a} promotional settlement nonetheless existed on paper. Okolie signed with Matchroom in early 2017, 5 months after representing Nice Britain within the 2016 Rio Olympics.
A lawsuit transpired upon Okolie’s ordered title protection versus Mild, although Matchroom agreed to not stand in the way in which of his profession through the interim.
A deal was reached between the unbeaten cruiserweights to keep away from a handbag bid listening to, which additionally noticed Okolie signal a multi-fight settlement with BOXXER. Okolie outpointed Mild over twelve rounds atop a March 25 BOXXER present from AO Area in Manchester. He then agreed to return to the ring simply ten weeks later versus Billam Smith (18-1, 12KOs), a former coaching stablemate towards whom Okolie suffered three knockdowns and two level deductions of their Might 27 Sky Sports activities headliner.
The hope now could be to safe a rematch to what was a voluntary title protection.
“That is boxing. The principle factor I do know is I am down however I am not out. It was a superb efficiency from Chris,” Okolie stated to Sky Sports activities. “However there was nothing in there that made me suppose he is unbelievable or no matter else. It was only a good efficiency. He put every thing on the road and he received his reward for it, however I’ll positively be pushing for a rematch.”
The settlement reached with Matchroom implies that Okolie can focus solely on his profession with none further out-of-ring drama. With the settlement, the once-beaten cruiserweight hopes that each one events can merely transfer ahead freed from resentment.
“Within the warmth of our discussions, statements have been made that I’m regrettable,” admitted Okolie. “However, I’m happy to have ended issues on good phrases with Eddie and Matchroom and am glad that we are able to put this behind us and I can totally concentrate on the subsequent staqe ol my profession.
“I wish to [emphasize] that the particulars of our decision will stay confidential, and I can’t be [making] any additional touch upon the matter.”