Okolie sacks Hearn to fight Light March 2023 in London

Nigeria born British boxer Lawrence Okolie has ditched promoter Eddie Hearn and signed with Boxxer for his next fight as he looks to defend his WBO cruiserweight title against David Light in March next year.

Okolie last fought in February when he won a unanimous decision against Michal Cieslak to retain his WBO belt for the second time, but he has not fought since.

The WBO requested Okolie, now 18-0, to make a mandatory defence of the belt against New Zealand's Light - which will take place in the capital on March 11, 2023.

Okolie and Hearn - who has served as the 29-year-old's promoter since his professional debut in 2017 - have been involved in an ongoing dispute, including over comments made on social media by the boxer.

Matchroom also claim that there is one bout remaining on Okolie's contract but the boxer is going ahead without them involved.

But writing on Twitter, Okolie said last month: 'Can't lie this year was turning me of boxing. Dirty, lying, narcissistic individuals who 'run' the sport. How I feel right now... reminds me that that's a selfish outlook, our fights mean so much more to so many more people than ourselves.' 

It is believed that Okolie was speaking about Hearn - who came back and told iFL TV: 'The last thing we ever wanna do is go to court with a fighter, but I will never let someone take the p*** out of the loyalty/job we've delivered for them.' 

Okolie's fight with Light was destined for purse bids, but now it has emerged that Boxxer have come to an agreement to stage the fight on Sky Sports, according to Boxing Scene.

The WBO Championship Committee' chairman, Luis Batista-Salas, informed all relevant parties of the agreement in a letter.

'The WBO World Championship Committee acknowledged receipt of correspondence from Team Okolie's legal representative Mohit Pasricha whereby Okolie confirmed in writing that his team had reached an agreement with Team David Light pertaining to the ordered subject matter mandatory bout,' it said.

'Also, the Committee confirmed receipt of correspondence on behalf of Team David Light confirming the agreement between the parties. 

'According to the fighters, through their representatives, the bout will be promoted by 'Boxxer' and will take place on Saturday, March 11, 2023, in London, United Kingdom.' 

It was also confirmed by the WBO that Okolie's lawyer, Themba Smith, requested that Hearn's company was excluded from correspondence.

'The WBO confirmed email communication by Mr. Themba Smith, on behalf of Team Okolie confirming receipt of the negotiation notice and advising that Matchroom Boxing was no longer Okolie's promoter.