Former cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie has expressed pride and excitement after making a successful African debut in Lagos, Nigeria.
Okolie, a British Olympian of Nigerian descent, stopped Ghana’s Ebenezer Tetteh in the second round of their headline bout at the ‘Chaos in the Ring II’ event held in Lagos. The heavyweight contest marked his first professional fight on African soil.
The victory capped an electrifying night of boxing in front of an enthusiastic Lagos crowd.
Read Also: ‘Chaos in the Ring II’: Lawrence Okolie to headline historic fight in Nigeria
‘Fear of missing out’ for British-Nigerian boxers
Speaking after the fight, Okolie said the atmosphere and fan response in Nigeria would spark “fear of missing out” among British boxers with Nigerian heritage, including former world champion Anthony Joshua and rising heavyweight Moses Itauma.
“They are going to see me headline a show over here, feel the energy, and then they will have the fear of missing out and come running over to do it as well,” Okolie told BBC Sport Africa.
Read Also: Chaos in the Ring II: Balmoral to stage Lawrence Okolie’s first African fight in Lagos
Heavyweight ambitions and Itauma target
The 33-year-old former WBO cruiserweight champion is targeting a world title shot in 2026. He renewed his interest in fighting Itauma, revealing that an eventual final eliminator could even be staged in Nigeria.
“That’s the position I’m used to being in, champion of the world,” Okolie said.
“In 2026, I’m guaranteeing it. I wish Moses Itauma good luck in his fight against Jermaine Franklin. After that, we have been mandated to box an eliminator for the world title. Two Nigerians getting it on; it’s going to be amazing.”
Promoters hail landmark Lagos event
The event, broadcast live worldwide on DAZN, followed the success of Chaos in the Ring I and was promoted by Balmoral Group Promotions in collaboration with AK Promotions (Amir Khan) and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, a partnership aimed at elevating African boxing on the global stage.
Dr Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, hailed the event as a landmark moment for boxing in Nigeria.
“We are thrilled to bring this world-class event to Lagos, showcasing Nigeria’s rich boxing talent on a global stage,” Adamu said.
“This is a celebration of our heritage, resilience and ambition to elevate African boxing to new heights.”
Undercard results
In the undercard bouts, Shiloh Defreitas defeated Kabiru Salawu by unanimous decision after six rounds in their welterweight clash.
Sikiru Shogbesan and Basit Adebayo fought to a draw in a dramatic lightweight contest that saw both fighters score first-round knockdowns, while Raheeh “Baddo” Animasahun beat Isaac “D Star” Chukwudi by unanimous decision in a six-round super-lightweight bout.
