Free Lawrence Okolie.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

From the information being made available I think this is yet another case of a promoter stitching a fighter up and adding extra fights to a supposed fixed contract. I think Bob did a similar thing to Mikey if I remember correctly- might be wrong on that though.

FTR, I think Matchroom have done an excellent job with Okolie. They’ve guided his career really well but boxing is a business and Okolie has better opportunities elsewhere. He has an offer MR can’t match from Boxxer/Sky and Matchroom shelving him feels personal to me.

Matchroom have taken plenty of fighters from other promoters. Froch, Brook, Chisora, DeGale, Groves, Burns, Cleverly, Bellew, McDonnell amongst many more, but when the shoe is on the other foot they throw their toys out the pram. Eddie is also on record saying he won’t hold fighters back and if there’s a better offer on the table. Evidently not.

[adotd]

I don't understand why he would do this to Okolie. He's not a ticket seller, not particularly exiting in fights, absolutely crazy. Yet he let Liam Smith go, who's probably a bigger draw than Okolie. Silly move by Hearn if true. His PR has taken a nose dive the past year.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

I don't understand why he would do this to Okolie. He's not a ticket seller, not particularly exiting in fights, absolutely crazy. Yet he let Liam Smith go, who's probably a bigger draw than Okolie. Silly move by Hearn if true. His PR has taken a nose dive the past year.

That’s why I think it must be personal. There’s no reason to go to these lengths, as you say not a massive draw, not a guy they’re looking to build around.

[PhillyShellSlick]

Okolie should move up to HW once he figures his legal troubles out

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Okolie should move up to HW once he figures his legal troubles out

A fight with Riakporhe is the fight he’ll be looking to make.

[kiaba360]

That’s why I think it must be personal. There’s no reason to go to these lengths, as you say not a massive draw, not a guy they’re looking to build around.

Didn't Okolie trash-talk him on social media months ago? If it wasn't personal before that, it probably turned personal after. Why do boxers think it's a good idea to throw dirt on your promoter WHILE STILL UNDER CONTRACT?

As for Okolie as a fighter, he's not someone who I'm itching to watch. He's too economical, tight offensively, clunky defensively, only redeemable quality is his power. It seems senseless to invest any more resources on him when he's boring as fxck and doesn't even want to promoted by you.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Didn't Okolie trash-talk him on social media months ago? If it wasn't personal before that, it probably turned personal after. Why do boxers think it's a good idea to throw dirt on your promoter WHILE STILL UNDER CONTRACT?

As for Okolie as a fighter, he's not someone who I'm itching to watch. He's too economical, tight offensively, clunky defensively, only redeemable quality is his power. It seems senseless to invest any more resources on him when he's boring as fxck and doesn't even want to promoted by you.

That was because MR blocked him going to Boxxer. Okolie wasn’t under contract- that’s why they’re going to court. Matchroom are claiming Okolie’s fight with Jezewski wasn’t part of his contract so therefore owes them an extra fight. That seems very disreputable to me.

[kiaba360]

That was because MR blocked him going to Boxxer. Okolie wasn’t under contract- that’s why they’re going to court. Matchroom are claiming Okolie’s fight with Jezewski wasn’t part of his contract so therefore owes them an extra fight. That seems very disreputable to me.

On the surface, I don't understand how MR can dispute that when the fight happened on a card that THEY actually promoted (AJ/Pulev). Seems like petty bullshxt and they should just let Okolie's boring ass go.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

On the surface, I don't understand how MR can dispute that when the fight happened on a card that THEY actually promoted (AJ/Pulev). Seems like petty bullshxt and they should just let Okolie's boring ass go.

I don’t get it either. I’m guessing it’s some sort of loophole in the contract. Fighters have had to deal with this type of bullsh** for decades.

[kiaba360]

I don’t get it either. I’m guessing it’s some sort of loophole in the contract. Fighters have had to deal with this type of bullsh** for decades.

If this is about MR needing boxers to keep providing content for DAZN, I doubt Okolie is somebody that subscribers are dying to see fight. MR would only have Okolie for one more fight if they win this lawsuit, correct?