Friday 30 June 2017 16:55, UK
Lawrence Okolie says that he is not interested in going rounds and would much rather get an early stoppage if the opportunity presents itself against Russell Henshaw.
The Hackney cruiserweight, a Rio 2016 Olympian, will face Henshaw this Saturday at London's O2 Arena on the undercard to Frank Buglioni British title clash with Ricky Summers, live on Sky Sports.
'The Sauce' has racked up three straight first round knockout victories since turning over to the paid ranks and the 24-year-old is eager to continue the destructive streak.
"I do need to get rounds, but I'm not in the business for looking for them, I care about winning," Okolie told Sky Sports.
"I've seen countless times when people have taken their foot off the gas or gone in to have a boxing lesson and got hit with a big shot and that's the end.
I'm in a weight class where anyone at any time can knock you down, I make sure it's not me who is knocked out.
"I'm in a weight class where anyone at any time can throw a big left hook or a big right hand and it's over and it all come crashing down, I make sure it's not me who is knocked out.
"There is a lot of pressure and expectation on me but it's part of the game. In this sport we put our pride on the line, someone can always get knocked out, but it's all about enjoying it."
Okolie clashed with fellow unbeaten Londoner Isaac Chamberlain at Wednesday's press conference and Okolie would welcome a local derby in the future.
"Chamberlain is a fight that if it happens, I look forward to. He has shown me and the world that he has a big heart and that he really wants it.
"If we fight it will be very hard, but an exciting one for the fans. We both want it so much and I look forward to the fights where I put it all on the line."
Watch Frank Buglioni against Ricky Summers this Saturday night, with Joshua Buatsi, Conor Benn, Lawrence Okolie, Ted Cheeseman and Reece Bellotti also in action at The 02, from 7.30pm on Sky Sports 1.
