London, UK - Former cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie announced his arrival in the heavyweight division in emphatic fashion, stopping Germany's Hussein Muhamed inside a single round at Wembley Arena on Saturday night. The bout marked Okolie's first fight under Queensberry Promotions, signaling a new chapter in his career following his move up in weight.

Weighing in at a career-high 260.8 pounds on Friday, Okolie made a significant leap from the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds, where he reigned as WBO champion until his sole defeat to Chris Billam-Smith in 2023. The added weight brought curiosity about how it would translate to his performance, and the 31-year-old wasted no time showcasing his power and dominance in his heavyweight debut.

Muhamed, 33, entered the ring with a padded record but struggled to mount any serious threat to Okolie. His aggression and clumsy movements created openings that Okolie exploited with precision.

The decisive moment came just over two minutes into the first round when Okolie landed a sharp counter right hand, sending Muhamed crashing to the canvas. Despite his resilience in beating the count, Muhamed appeared unsteady on his feet, prompting referee Lee Every to step in and call a halt to the contest at 2:14 of the opening round.

Okolie's explosive performance served as a strong statement of intent in the heavyweight ranks. His transition from cruiserweight, where he was known for his awkward style and punching power, to the premier division appears promising. The partnership with Queensberry Promotions, a significant player in heavyweight boxing, is expected to provide him with the opportunities to climb the ranks quickly.

"I wanted to make a statement in my first fight at heavyweight, and I believe I did just that," Okolie said after the fight. "The added weight felt good, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. This is just the beginning of my journey in this division."

The victory opens up a range of possibilities for Okolie, who now looks to build his reputation in the heavyweight landscape. While his opponent, Muhamed, was far from elite, the performance highlighted Okolie’s readiness to test himself against stiffer competition. A climb through the ranks in 2024 could position him for more meaningful fights in a division brimming with talent.