#Lawrence Okolie

[theanticool]

My favorite but of the Okolie-Light fight with commentary going “Okolie’s got a new trainer, guys. He’s a work in progress. He’s more fun than this I swear” like Okolie is the defending champion. 2nd favorite was the ref stopping the 7th round to tell them this fight sucks.

[tribute-to-asian-athletes]

My new blog.

[nghubs1]

LAWRENCE OKOLIE BIOGRAPHY, EDUCATION, CAREER, CONTROVERSIES AND NET WORTH

Lawrence Okolie is a British professional boxer born on December 16, 1992, in Hackney, London, to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent. Known by his nickname “The Sauce,” he has had a remarkable career in the cruiserweight and bridgerweight divisions. LAWRENCE OKOLIE PROFILE NameLawrence Okolie Real NameLawrence Okolie Date of Birth 16 December 1992Age31 YearsNationality…

[ebbythust]

Lawrence Okolie vs. Chris Billam-Smith - Das offizielle Wiegen

Lawrence Okolie vs. Chris Billam-Smith Face to Face. Lawrence Okolie vs. Chris Billam-Smith kämpfen heute Abend in Bournemouths, Großbritannien, um die WBO-Weltmeisterschaft im Cruisergewicht. Am heutigen Samstagabend, den 27. Mai, werden die beiden Rivalen Lawrence ‘The Sauce’ Okolie (19-0-0, 14 KO-Siege) und Chris ‘The Gentleman’ Billam-Smith (17-1-0, 12 KO-Siege), in einem…

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue XVIX

The Legacy of Emerson Wright

By: Alaric Montgomery Original Publication date: 30 January 2025

After five years of leadership, Emerson Wright will step down as president of Hollywood Studios on January 31, 2025. His presidency, which began on January 1, 2020, has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Emerson’s tenure ushered in the Silver Age of the entertainment industry and was defined by his commitment to diversity, his efforts to eliminate corruption, and his bold vision for the future of Hollywood Studios. As he prepares to leave office as the longest-serving president, his legacy stands as a testament to the power of representation and reform in an industry long criticized for its exclusivity.

When Wright was elected in 2019 under the leadership of former president Lawrence Harland, Hollywood Studios was largely dominated by White and Asian voices. From the beginning, he made it clear that his priorities were to diversify Hollywood Studios and to remove the corruption that had plagued the previous administration.

Emerson wasted no time in setting his agenda. In 2020, his first two major films, The Messiah (2020) and Zero Zero Zero (2020), broke barriers by introducing Hollywood Studios’ first Middle Eastern and Latino-led cast and storylines. He then released two films featuring predominantly Black casts, On Her Own Ground (2020) and The Year of the Woman: Hill v. Thomas (2020), a first in the history of the studios.

This effort to push for diversity continued throughout his presidency, producing films that explored issues of race, class, and gender. He also made a strong effort to amplify Latino and Black voices both in front of and behind the camera, with Chevalier (2023) directed by Liliana Harrison and Society of the Snow (2024) by Erin Navarro. Emerson also oversaw the release of Moses (2024) directed by Jewish director Julian Lunacharski and The Plot Against America (2025), the entertainment industry’s first-ever films with a majority Jewish cast.

His push for diversity extended beyond films – he also worked to bring in more directors of color, collaborating with Nwondo Okoli (The Crown, 2022), Elegance Sherwood (Triangle of Sadness, 2022), Lazarus Montgomery (3-Body Problem, 2024), and Carlotta Cisneros (The White Lotus, 2024) in helming major projects.

In addition to his focus on diversity, Emerson is a vocal critic of the blackball culture that had long dominated Hollywood Studios. Under his leadership, he took a bold stand by bringing back artists and directors who had been sidelined or blackballed by previous administrations. Among the most notable examples of this was the return of Chrystia Allwright, whose controversial win in 2015 for her role in The Eureka Moment had caused a rift within the industry. Emerson’s administration worked to clear her name, eventually leading to Chrystia receiving a well-deserved Best Actress nomination for her work in The Messiah (2020).

The effort extended beyond just Chrystia, as Emerson welcomed back a number of influential directors who had been ostracized during previous presidencies, such as Jake Hanson (The Regnancy, 2015 and Avatar: The Last Airbender, 2020), William Camry (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, 2013 and Menendez, 2024), and Collins Armondie (The Christopher Killer, 2015 and Zero Zero Zero, 2020).

Beyond storytelling, Emerson focused on restructuring the internal systems of Hollywood Studios. One of his most significant reforms was the reorganization of the Ross Committee, which oversees the Ross’s nomination and awards process. Before his presidency, the committee operated as a subsidiary of Hollywood Studios, leading to accusations of corruption in 2017. In April 2020, Emerson ensured that the Ross Committee became an independent entity, bringing greater transparency to the awards process.

His efforts earned him widespread recognition, including the title of Chariot Person of the Year for his influence in reshaping Hollywood Studios.

By 2023, his vision extended beyond Hollywood Studios. Emerson collaborated with his competitor, MC-Wylde, to establish Cygna Entertainment—an independent studio dedicated entirely to Black storytelling. He also played a key role in launching Browning Records, a music company that merged the music subsidiaries of Hollywood Studios and MC-Wylde to strengthen the industry as a whole.

However, his administration was not without its critics. Many of his pro-feminist films were accused of centering white feminism while failing to address the struggles of women of color in the movies Frontline (2021) and A Woman in Arabia (2023). In 2024, protests arose over the underrepresentation of Latinos in Hollywood Studios’ films. In response, Emerson created an independent committee within the studio to oversee Latino storytelling and ensure more balanced representation with Erin Navarro leading the progress.

Emerson’s impact is most evident in the changing diversity of the Ross Awards. Before his presidency, 57% of nominees were white, and 37% were Asian. By the end of his tenure, white nominees had dropped to 21%, and Black representation had risen from 1.8% to 12%. Latino and Middle Eastern representation also increased, though at a slower pace.

Despite this progress, the 10-year breakdown of Ross Award nominations from 2014 to 2024 still showed that 43% of nominees were white and 42% were Asian. This highlights the need for continued efforts to create a more level playing field.

As Emerson prepares to step down, he leaves behind a Hollywood Studios that is more inclusive, transparent, and dynamic than ever before. His presidency marked a turning point in the entertainment industry, proving that meaningful change is possible when diversity and representation are made a priority. Under his leadership, new voices were amplified, long-overlooked communities found a place in mainstream storytelling, and systemic barriers within the industry began to break down.

Though challenges remain, Emerson’s impact will continue to shape Hollywood for years to come. His work laid a strong foundation for the future, inspiring filmmakers, actors, and executives to push for even greater inclusivity. As Dubois Carmichael takes the reins, the industry stands at the threshold of a new chapter—one built on the progress Emerson fought for.

The 2024 Chariot People of the Year

The Chariot continues to recognize those who have made an extraordinary impact on the entertainment industry each year. As the industry evolves and adapts to the changing times, individuals rise to the occasion, defying all odds, to help make it more welcoming, inclusive, and diverse.

Wakefield Maddox – as the first Black president of the Ross Committee, Wakefield has been dedicated to amplifying Black storytelling and ensuring greater representation in the industry. Under the first month of his leadership, the Ross Awards saw groundbreaking wins, including the first Latino Best Actor, the first Native American Best Actress, and the first openly LGBTQ+ Best Supporting Actor.

Hialeah Moonshadow - her win highlights the ongoing disparities in Native American representation, as she became the first-ever Native American Best Actress nominee and winner.

[qubixo1]

Billam-Smith v Okolie 2? "The only way to go," says Sugar Hill

A BACK against Chris Billam-Smith is “the only way to go” for Lawrence Okolie, his coach Sugar Hill says. The two teams met last week at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium in front of 15,000 fans, mostly in support of Billam-Smith. A tough and tough round of 12 ended with the favorites being given a majority vote. The return decision was already on Okolie’s behalf if he lost and his cornerback…

[newsmatik]

Lawrence Okolie in negotiations with Luis Ortiz for a heavyweight bout

Lawrence Okolie is sparring with two-time world heavyweight title challenger Luis ‘King Kong’ Ortiz. The former WBO champion (21-1, 16 KOs) is slowly making his way into the heavyweight division. The Cuban Ortiz (34-3, 29 KOs) turns 46 on March 29 but is still dangerous because of his strength, size, and technical skills. His ring IQ and playmaking ability are above the 6’5″ Okolie. If Ortiz…

[memotrends]

Lawrence Okolie is negotiating heavyweight fight with Luis Ortiz

Lawrence Okolie is negotiating with two-time world heavyweight title challenger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz. The former WBO cruiserweight champion (21-1, 16 KOs) is slowly adjusting to the heavyweight division. Cuban Ortiz (34-3, 29 KOs) turns 46 on March 29 but is still dangerous due to his strength, size and technical ability. His ring IQ and athletic ability are above the 6’5″ Okolie. If Ortiz…

[cryptoto]

Lawrence Okolie in talks with Luis Ortiz for a heavyweight fight

Lawrence Okolie is in talks with two-time world heavyweight title challenger Luis 'King Kong' Ortiz. The former WBO cruiserweight champion (21-1, 16 KOs) is slowly getting used to the heavyweight division. Cuban Ortiz (34-3, 29 KOs) turns 46 on March 29, but is still dangerous because of his strength, size and technical skills. His ring IQ and athletic ability are above the 6’5″ Okolie. If Ortiz…

[hamsdd]

Lawrence Okolie in talks with Luis Ortiz for a heavyweight fight

Lawrence Okolie is in talks with two-time world heavyweight title challenger Luis 'King Kong' Ortiz. The former WBO cruiserweight champion (21-1, 16 KOs) is slowly getting used to the heavyweight division. Cuban Ortiz (34-3, 29 KOs) turns 46 on March 29, but is still dangerous because of his strength, size and technical skills. His ring IQ and athletic ability are above the 6’5″ Okolie. If Ortiz…

[theanticool]

Welp, hope Lawrence Okolie has no regrets with his career move. Got knocked down 3x and 2 points taken for grabbing excessively because he was getting knocked around in open space. Chris Billam-Smith takes the cruiserweight title off him. Still somehow Okolie got a draw on one card.

[peaksport]

Lawrence Okoli in talks with Luis Ortiz for a heavyweight fight

Lawrence Okoli is in talks with two-time world heavyweight title challenger Luis ‘King Kong’ Ortiz. The former WBO heavyweight champion (21-1, 16 KOs) is slowly getting closer to acclimatization in the heavyweight division. Cuban Ortiz (34-3, 29 KOs) turns 46 on March 29, but is still dangerous because of his strength, size and technical skills. His in-ring IQ and athletic ability are above the…

[ericalto]

Billam-Smith V Okolie 2? "The Only Way To Go," Says Sugar Hill

Enter and Win With Amazon A REMACH against Chris Billam-Smith is “the only way to go” for Lawrence Okolie, his trainer Sugar Hill says. The two cruiserweights met last weekend at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium in front of 15,000 fans, mostly in support of Billam-Smith. 12 rough and tough rounds ended with the crowd favorite being given a majority decision. A reciprocity clause was already in…

[ebbythust]

Lawrence Okolie: „Ich werde Chris Billam-Smith vernichten!“

Lawrence Okolie verspricht seinen nächsten Gegner Chris Billam-Smith zu vernichten. Lawrence Okoli: “Ich habe eigene Ambitionen, eigene Vorstellungen, Titel-Vereinigungen und den Übergang zum Schwergewicht. Das lasse ich mir nicht wegnehmen.“ WBO-Cruisergewichts-Weltmeister Lawrence Okolie kündigt eine schwere Tracht Prügel für seinen ehemaligen Sparrings-Partner, Chris Billam-Smith, an. Die…

[travelinfo120]

A REMATCH against Chris Billam-Smith is “the only way to go” for Lawrence Okolie, his trainer Sugar Hill says. The two cruiserweights met last weekend at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium in front of 15,000 fans, largely in support of Billam-Smith. A rough and tough 12 rounds ended with the crowd favourite being awarded a majority decision. A rematch clause was already in place for Okolie if he had lost and his cornerman told Boxing News they want the second fight. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxCrb381hf8[/embed][embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxCrb381hf8[/embed] “Yeah, that’s the only way to go. You don’t want to wait around and try to get a rematch. You want to get it right away. He obviously knows there were some things that he did [wrong] by the statements that he made, and he wants to correct those things. He wants to write his wrongs and he wants to be victorious.” What played out between the two fighting friends was a messy contest full of incident, point deductions and Billam-Smith walking through everything Okolie had to offer. Is Hill confident that the result can be reversed in a rematch? “I’m very confident of it,” he replied. “I was confident in this fight. I’m going to be confident in every fight. That’ll be something that me and Lawrence talk about and want to figure out for him. Maybe if I said peekaboo or something he would have got himself back to the way he was doing in a training camp and not be so anxious. I don’t know. I’m a crazy thinker so sometimes you have to think outside the box to get things to work properly.” Okolie himself told BN in his dressing room afterwards that the rematch is what he wants next. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4q0cSM0xio[/embed][embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4q0cSM0xio[/embed] “It has to be. I’m not the type of person who’s like aw let these two guys fight and this that and the other. We run it back.” Billam-Smith agreed that Okolie would want nothing else but a chance at redemption. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58ZWD39PMD4[/embed][embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58ZWD39PMD4[/embed] “He’s a proud man. He’s winner at heart and I think that makes sense for him and also why wouldn’t he. You’ve got a world title opportunity again, it’s not like I’ve sparked him out clean. So, yeah, I’d expect him to want the rematch.”

[qubixo1]

Billam Smith v Okolie 2? "The only way out," Sugar Hill said

Lawrence Okolie’s coach Sugar Hill says a rematch against Chris Billam-Smith is the “only way out” for Lawrence Okolie. The two lightweights fought at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium last weekend in front of 15,000 fans, largely in support of Billam-Smith. A hard-fought 12-round contest ended with the crowd’s favorite team taking a majority decision. His cornerback told Okolie he had a rematch…