Okolie to fight Tetteh in Lagos after long layoff

Lawrence Okolie will return to the ring on December 21 in Lagos, Nigeria, fighting former Dillian Whyte opponent Ebenezer Tetteh in a surprise heavyweight bout that marks his first action since a July win over Kevin Lerena at Wembley. 

Okolie, 32, has not fought since outpointing Lerena by unanimous decision in July, a fight that ended his inactivity following a move up to heavyweight. Tetteh, 37, is best known for lasting until the seventh round against Dillian Whyte in December 2024 before being stopped, and most recently suffered a quick knockout loss to Frazer Clarke earlier in 2025. 

The bout in Lagos — part of an expanding international calendar for boxing in West Africa — offers Okolie a chance to sharpen his heavyweight credentials and maintain momentum toward potential world title contention.

Okolie, a former two-weight world champion, is unbeaten in his last outing at heavyweight after moving up from cruiserweight and holds a professional record that underscores his power and ring IQ. Tetteh, meanwhile, enters with experience against top-level fighters but is coming off a loss that tested his durability.

“I think winning this fight puts me right in the conversation for a world title next year,” Okolie said in a recent interview, emphasizing his long-term goals. 

Promoter Amir Khan has been instrumental in bringing high-profile boxing cards to Nigeria. “We’re proud to deliver major fights that showcase global talent while growing the sport in Africa,” Khan told reporters. 

Okolie had previously pushed for a marquee all-British clash against WBO champion Fabio Wardley but instead turned his attention to international bouts to stay active and expand his profile. The Lagos event is part of a broader opportunity for boxing to gain traction on the African continent, with multiple heavyweight contenders and local stars on the card. 

With just weeks to go until fight night, fans and analysts will be watching how Okolie performs on African soil and whether a strong showing positions him for a world title run in 2026.