Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has said his upcoming bout in Nigeria could open the door for more British fighters to compete in the country.
Okolie is set to take on Ghana’s Ebenezer Tetteh on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Detty December Festival Grounds, marking a major moment in his career on African soil.
The 33-year-old, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, is a former WBO cruiserweight champion and WBC bridgerweight titleholder before stepping up to the heavyweight division.
Speaking with BBC Sport Africa, Okolie expressed strong excitement about fighting in Nigeria and believes his appearance could spark wider interest among British boxers.
“They’re going to see me headline the show over there and then they’re going to have the fear of missing out and come running over to do it as well,” the 33-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.
He added, “I’m really looking forward to my fight there.”
Okolie’s Nigeria fight is expected to be one of the headline attractions of the festive season and could help position the country as a growing destination for international boxing events.
