Lawrence Okolie‘s return to the ring has been announced as part of a big event later this year.
Okolie is a former cruiserweight and bridgerweight world champion, who has recently moved up to heavyweight and recorded two victories in the banner division.
The latest of those came at Wembley Stadium in July when he defeated Kevin Lerana by unanimous decision, and Okolie’s next step on his quest to claiming world heavyweight honours has been revealed.
Okolie will headline an event on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Nigeria, making it the first time that he has competed on African soil, much to his delight.
“This will be a historic moment for Africa, my family and my career. There’s been a lot of talk, but let’s see who really wants to dance. Detty December just got Saucy. Thanks to Frank, George and Queensberry for making this happen for me.”
The undercard is also set to feature another hard-hitting British heavyweight, as David Adeleye returns following his bout with Filip Hrgovic earlier in the year, while one of Anthony Joshua’s managed fighters is also in action, with unbeaten Emanuel Odiaise on the bill.
The event will be brought together by Balmoral Group Promotions, AK Promotions, and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, and Warren explained the reasoning behind taking the event to Nigeria.
“Nigeria has a proud boxing history, and we’re extremely pleased to bring this opportunity for two of our leading fighters. Queensberry is the Home of the Heavyweights and we look forward to our guys doing the business in Lagos in December.”
Along with this upcoming event in Nigeria, there have also been reports that an event could take place soon in Ghana, and potentially feature former unified heavyweight champion Joshua.
