Shane McGuigan to link up with Matchroom star

Former Ulster Champion Shane McGuigan has teamed up with English cruiserweight starlet Lawrence Okolie.

The British and Commonwealth champion is the latest through the door at the son of former world champion Barry McGuigan’s London base.

The Rio Olympian was signed by Eddie Hearn following the Games in Brazil and has built a 12(9)-0 record with a number of domestic wins.

The unbeaten Hackney fighter’s last win – a fourth round stoppage of Wadi Camacho – was overseen by Barry Robinson but the fighter who has also worked under Brian O’Shaunnessy now joins Josh Taylor and Luke Campbell as part of McGuigan’s team of fighters.

Okolie announced the switch on social media, stating: “The work has already begun. Excited to be working with @shanemcguigan moving forward. I expect dangerous and clean performances.”

The Londoner has been lauded as one to watch despite his late arrival to the game with some lauding his natural power and strength – not to mention his ambition.

However, the fighter who is managed by Anthony Joshua has come under some critism for ‘dull’ and even ‘sloppy’ performances.

McGuigan may look to refine the former Team GB fighter and help him get the best out of his natural talents.

30-year-old McGuigan, who is currently preparing Josh Taylor to challenge Ivan Baranchyk for the IBF light welterweight title in the WBSS next week, said that “I’d like to welcome Lawrence to McGuigan Gym. It’s time to get serious.”

McGuigan formerly trained a number of Irish fighters including Conrad Cummings, Anthony Cacace, and, most notably, Carl Frampton.

Other fighters that have passed through McGuigan’s Gym include former two-weight champ David Haye, George Groves, cricket star Freddie Flintoff, and Portsmouth prospect Josh Pritchard who was forced to retire early due to an abnormality found in a brain scan.