It is more than a year since Lawrence Okolie last competitively stepped into the ring for the second defence of his WBO cruiserweight belt.
In the 11 intervening months, he has had a fight of sorts to change promoters and break the shackles of Matchroom, who had backed his 18 fights in the professional ranks to date.
The split with Eddie Hearn has been far from civil, and the acrimony is still bubbling just below the surface. Having switched allegiance to BOXXER, the Londoner says he feels wanted again.
It is a change of pathway for him that adds an interesting backdrop to his encounter against David Light at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday.
Of his relationship with his former promoter, he said: “I don’t want to get into Eddie Hearn. He’s a former promoter, so it’s like talking about an ex over and over again. Let him say and do what he wants. I’m very happy with how my life is going and now I have to just focus on winning.”
There is a danger that the distraction of his Matchroom separation has impacted his build-up to taking on his New Zealand opponent, who is unbeaten in 20 professional bouts.
But Okolie, who has been training with Tyson Fury in the build-up to the fight, argues his sole focus has been on Light.
“He’s 20-0, so he’ll be coming with that confidence and belief,” said the 30-year-old. “He’s been boxing for a long time, but they say stuff that to me sounds so stupid, like, ‘no one has tried this or that’ against me.
“People have tried before him knowing this is their world title shot. But then when they stand in front me, they realise it’s not their time.”
Light is all too aware he is the overwhelming underdog. He said: “People are always writing me off, but I’ve enjoyed proving them wrong. He’s got bits that can be exploited.”
