Former cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie has revealed that his decision to fight in Nigeria for the first time in his professional career was inspired by his mother, Elizabeth, who was born in Lagos.
The 32-year-old will headline a Balmoral Group promotion on Sunday at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, where he faces Ebenezer Tetteh in the main event, streamed live on DAZN. It marks a deeply personal moment for Okolie, who has long spoken of his pride in his Nigerian heritage despite being born and raised in England.
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Okolie, who was born in Stoke Newington, Hackney, to Nigerian parents Elizabeth and Lawrence Sr., attended school locally and went on to represent Team GB at the Olympics. Although his boxing career has largely unfolded in the UK, he says returning to Nigeria to fight carries a special significance.
“Being able to fight there now is the best,” Okolie said. “For my mum, my dad, for the heritage — to show my skills and take it back to the city my parents were born in.”
According to Okolie, the final push came from his mother, who was adamant that he should seize the opportunity once a Lagos fight was proposed.
“Initially I was a bit 50–50,” he told The Ring. “There was a show in England where Derek Chisora was meant to headline and I was considering that.
“But when the Nigeria opportunity came, my mum was shouting at me: ‘You have to take it.’ So I did, instead of the usual route — and it’s worked out. She’s over the moon.”
Okolie said the prospect of boxing in front of Nigerian fans has filled him with excitement, describing the atmosphere he expects as electric.
“There’s screaming from women, men, children — just everyone,” he said. “There’s an electricity and pride about it. It’s like football fans watching their team. I can’t wait to feel that energy.”
He added that many family members and friends in Nigeria have only followed his career from afar.
“A lot of them can only send congratulations and have never actually watched me fight live,” Okolie explained. “Now they get to see it in person. Uncles and aunties who always send prayers will be there, in the dressing room, wishing me well. Then I can go out and make it happen.”
The bout comes as Okolie continues his transition to heavyweight. Since moving up 12 months ago, he has remained unbeaten, stopping Hussein Muhamed in the first round at Wembley Arena last December before claiming a 10-round decision victory over Kevin Lerena at Wembley Stadium in July.
His opponent, Tetteh, 37, has faced several British heavyweights in recent outings and was stopped by Dillian Whyte and Frazer Clarke in successive fights. Despite that, Okolie insists the occasion, rather than the statistics, is what makes Sunday night special.
Having recently attended a Balmoral show in Lagos where Brandon Glanton forced Marcus Browne into a sixth-round retirement, Okolie said the experience sealed his desire to be part of the Nigerian boxing scene.
“I went to that event in October and got FOMO,” he said. “Now I’m here, and I can’t wait.”
For Okolie, the Lagos fight is more than just another contest — it is a homecoming shaped by heritage, family, and a mother’s unwavering belief.
