Lawrence Okolie joins trainer Shane McGuigan

Olympian Lawrence Okolie has engaged his third trainer in a 12-fight pro career that has already brought British and Commonwealth cruiserweight championships, plus a No. 6 world ranking with the WBA. Having worked with Brian O’Shaughnessy for a lengthy period - winning the two domestic belts with the Peacock Gym-based mentor - Okolie departed following a dreary British title points win over Matty Askin in September. He linked up with Barry Robinson for two victories, including an exciting stoppage of Wadi Camacho in March, but has now begun working under Shane McGuigan in Wandsworth.

McGuigan confirmed the news on his social media accounts and Okolie joins a stable that boasts WBSS semi-finalist Josh Taylor - who bids for his first world title next week - and WBC mandatory lightweight challenger Luke Campbell, as well as cruiser hope Chris Billam-Smith, who meets fellow hot prospect Richard Riakporhe on July 20.

The gym has drawn some criticism in recent times with the George Groves retiring after losing to Callum Smith and unbeaten pair Lee McGregor and Chantelle Cameron both leaving, but McGuigan has guided Groves and Carl Frampton to world titles and bringing Okolie on board represents a major coup.