BoxRec

Eddie Hearn, promoter for undefeated British and Commonwealth cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie (12-0, 9 KOs), is targeting a July world title fight for his man, against veteran Denis Lebedev.

The WBA world title is now vacant, after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the crown to focus on a planned campaign of the heavyweight division.

With Usyk vacating, Lebedev may automatically get elevated to the status of full champion.

And Hearn says Okolie is ready to face him for the belt.

Hearn has already begun discussions with Lebedev's promoters, World of Boxing.
"I've got the green light from Lawrence who said he would be ready to fight Lebedev next," Hearn told Sky Sports.

"I've spoken to World of Boxing, we've made them an offer. Obviously, he's got to accept that offer but from our side we are ready to go for that fight.

"July is the date I've got in mind for that fight and if Lebedev accepts that fight it could be next."

Hearn admits that Okolie, someone who turned pro two years ago, would be taking a big step in class by facing Lebedev.

"I think it's much too early for Okolie to step up," added Hearn.

"But I do think he can win that fight and I think when you get an opportunity to fight for a world title in one that you may be a slight favourite, I think you should take it. He's moved quickly as an amateur and as a professional, so why not keep going and if he can win the world championship after 13 fights, it's a hell of an achievement."

Okolie could be catching Leb at the right time.

Leb boxed well his last fight but was too content with not letting his hands go.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Leb does a number on Okolie. Could be a tricky first few rounds but Leb would be in control.

He’s a seasoned veteran and beast, clearly not in his prime years but still can box well and win fights. Was only a few years ago I had him beating Gassiev, but then again Gassiev took too many rounds off IMO.

Okolie will fancy his chances here, that’s why he’s up for it. 12 fight pro.. still early. Has good power but constantly boring to watch most of the time.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑29 Mar 2019, 19:22 Okolie could be catching Leb at the right time.

Leb boxed well his last fight but was too content with not letting his hands go.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Leb does a number on Okolie. Could be a tricky first few rounds but Leb would be in control.

He’s a seasoned veteran and beast, clearly not in his prime years but still can box well and win fights. Was only a few years ago I had him beating Gassiev, but then again Gassiev took too many rounds off IMO.

Okolie will fancy his chances here, that’s why he’s up for it. 12 fight pro.. still early. Has good power but constantly boring to watch most of the time.

okolie will need to move up the rankings, he was only 6th wba for march, and thats not counting shumenov or goulmaran with secondary wba belts

unless lebs just handed the belt and automatically gets a voluntary

jamamb wrote: ↑29 Mar 2019, 21:23 okolie will need to move up the rankings, he was only 6th wba for march, and thats not counting shumenov or goulmaran with secondary wba belts

unless lebs just handed the belt and automatically gets a voluntary

I'm not 100% sure but I think he is/was "Champion in Recess" which means he probably will be handed the belt. I guess Hearn is banking on him being allowed a voluntary defence.

this is a fight okolie was trained to win with long jab move well , but i dont think he is good enough to boss Lebedev,yet ,but he is getting old think okolie will knick it

Lebedev has been one of my favourite fighters over the years.

Is it only me who thinks that this is way too early for Okolie? He barely sneaked past Matty Askin and hasn't shown massive improvement since that fight. Don't get me wrong, he's achieved a lot for someone with relatively little experience, but can't help but feel this is 4-6 fights too soon.

I hope Leb knocks him off our screens so we do not need to watch any more of this dross. Makes me yearn for the early Johnny days

"We have heard that Okolie's team are interested in fighting Lebedev," said Vadim Kornilov from World of Boxing, his promoters.

"I discussed this with Denis and the team and they said they are ready, make the fight happen!"

Russia's Lebedev is 13 years older than Okolie, and has had 22 more pro fights. He has held IBF and WBA gold and holds notable victories against Enzo Maccarinelli, Roy Jones Jr and James Toney.

"Denis is a big champion and has a lot of fans in Russia, he has fought many big fights and main events in Russia," Kornilov said.

"With this possibly being Denis' last fight, it would be great to put this fight together in Russia as a possible farewell fight for Denis."

Okolie's promoter Eddie Hearn is eyeing a summer date in the UK.

"I've got the green light from Lawrence who said he would be ready to fight Lebedev next," Hearn told Sky Sports last week.

"I've spoken to World of Boxing, we've made them an offer. Obviously, he's got to accept that offer but from our side we are ready to go for that fight.

"July is the date I've got in mind for that fight and if Lebedev accepts that fight it could be next.

"I think it's much too early for Okolie to step up.

"But I do think he can win that fight and I think when you get an opportunity to fight for a world title in one that you may be a slight favourite, I think you should take it."

Leb's farewell fight should be in Russia.. But I doubt this fight takes place there..

They should just do this in London..

Lebedev can always have 'one last fight' later this year in Russia in a decent sized stadium.

This looks a great fight for the old guy from Russia Okolie not World Class and probably never will be.

Does this mean Okolie could face Shumenov or Goulamirian for the WBA Super belt?

joshj909 wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 09:22 Does this mean Okolie could face Shumenov or Goulamirian for the WBA Super belt?

Goulamirian is trained by Abel right?

Abel said he will become the WBA by default in May/June/

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 09:38 Goulamirian is trained by Abel right?

Abel said he will become the WBA by default in May/June/

I believe so. Did he say that before they promoted Lebedev to the full belt?

joshj909 wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 10:32 I believe so. Did he say that before they promoted Lebedev to the full belt?

No idea.

The WBA have made a right mess of the whole belt situation.

larrys actually not super high in the wba rantings. though gass will exit soon and dort and tabiti are fighting in the wbss

super champ: den
world champ: shum
gold champ: arsen

1. yuniel dorticos
2. andrew tabiti
3. ryah merhy
4. yury kashinsky
5. murat gassiev
6. larry oko

magnus wrote: ↑31 Mar 2019, 09:32 Is it only me who thinks that this is way too early for Okolie? He barely sneaked past Matty Askin and hasn't shown massive improvement since that fight. Don't get me wrong, he's achieved a lot for someone with relatively little experience, but can't help but feel this is 4-6 fights too soon.

It was the first thing I thought when it was announced.
Not by too much, maybe another 2 fights away. Leb is too wiley for Okolie. When I voted on the poll and it came up as 17/3 for Leb, I'm pretty convinced others think the same. Okolie will learn heaps and a loss ain't the end of the world.
I'm looking forward to it!

KiwiRider wrote: ↑02 May 2019, 00:23 It was the first thing I thought when it was announced.
Not by too much, maybe another 2 fights away. Leb is too wiley for Okolie. When I voted on the poll and it came up as 17/3 for Leb, I'm pretty convinced others think the same. Okolie will learn heaps and a loss ain't the end of the world.
I'm looking forward to it!

It doesn't look like it's happening now mate, Hearn thinks Leb is retiring.