Lawrence Okolie, a renowned name in the boxing world, is all set to make his debut in the heavyweight division. With a rich history of competing with boxing's big boys and having held titles in different weight classes, he now aims to etch his name among the sport's elite. On Saturday in London, he will take on German Hussein Muhamed under the guidance of promoter Frank Warren. Okolie has sparred with the best in the division, including Daniel Dubois, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Joseph Parker, and now it's his turn to shine under the heavyweight spotlight.

Unleashing the Potential of a Boxing Great

Preparing for the Big Leap

Okolie has long been tipped to move to the heavyweight division. After a brief stint at bridgerweight, he is now in prime physical shape. He emphasizes how being super dehydrated and not being able to eat fully during weight-cutting affected his recovery. But now, with the freedom to eat fully and the reduced stress of making weight, he feels a newfound energy. "I feel really big, really strong," he says. "Being able to recover properly has made a world of difference."During his training sessions under coach Joe Gallagher, the ability to eat freely has been a game-changer. He jokes about walking to the ring without a six-pack for the first time, highlighting the positive impact on his physical and mental state. "When I go into the sauna just for a little bit of recovery, I'm like: 'Goodness... I was doing three times this with a break [before].' It's insane," he adds.

The Impact on Recovery and Sleep

Spending less time feeling dehydrated and worrying about calorie intake has not only improved Okolie's physical condition but also his sleep. "When you're making weight, it's tough to get to bed. But now, I'm getting really good nights of sleep, which is new as well. And doing a short camp, I would've never have been able to do it and make cruiserweight or anything, so now it's good," he explains. This newfound balance is allowing him to focus more on his craft and perform at his best.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Okolie is confident that a good performance on Saturday will set him up for a strong 2025 in boxing's glamour division. He hopes to become a three-weight world champion, joining the exclusive club of Evander Holyfield, David Haye, and Oleksandr Usyk, who have achieved the same feat. "Because there is a point where money isn't enough. Boxing is a very tough sport, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. So that has been my biggest motivation now with moving up, having an opportunity to win and become a three-weight world champion, with the crème de la crème being a heavyweight world title. That's the sort of thing that cements your legacy forever," he says.As he looks ahead, Okolie is ready to take on more challenges and make his mark in the boxing world. With his determination and hard work, he is sure to leave a lasting legacy.