Lawrence Okolie Offers Support to Jake Paul
Lawrence Okolie, a British heavyweight boxer and former cruiserweight champion, has expressed his willingness to assist Jake Paul in preparation for his upcoming bout against Anthony Joshua. This match, set to take place in Miami, marks Joshua’s return to the ring after suffering a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Upcoming Fight Details
The fight is scheduled for December 19, coinciding with Okolie’s own fight happening on the same day in Nigeria after a lengthy recovery from a bicep injury he sustained earlier this year.
Okolie’s Training and Insights
Currently training in Dubai, Okolie, who boasts a professional record of 22 wins and one loss, is intrigued by the idea of sparring with Paul to help him acclimate to the dynamics of facing a seasoned heavyweight champion. He stated,
“I want to help Jake Paul get ready for this fight because I don’t want to see him completely overwhelmed by Joshua’s power, especially if it escalates quickly.”
Experience and Speculation
Having a history of sparring with Joshua himself, Okolie acknowledges the significant gap in size and skills between the two fighters. However, he speculated that unexpected outcomes are possible in boxing, noting,
“Crazier things have happened. If Jake lands cleanly and doesn’t get knocked out right away, then it might just get interesting.”
Broadcast and Anticipation
While Okolie’s remarks suggest he believes the bout will likely favor Joshua, he is also curious about the mindset that leads a competitor like Paul to challenge a former gold medalist and two-time heavyweight champion in front of a massive audience.
The event will be broadcast on Netflix, providing a high-profile platform that adds to the spectacle of the match. As excitement builds around this unique crossover event between traditional boxing and social media fame, Okolie remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for drama within the bout.
