The WBO summarized Okolie's promotional dispute as follows: "The WBO [received] e-mail communication by Themba Smith, on behalf of Team Okolie [management] confirming receipt of the [mandatory defense] notice and advising that Matchroom Boxing was no longer Okolie’s promoter. Consequently, Mr. Smith requested that the WBO refrain from including Matchroom in any further correspondence pertaining to Okolie/Light. Thereafter, the WBO received an e-mail response from {Matchroom attorney] Mr. Shaun Palmer asserting that Okolie and Matchroom are parties to a pending dispute resolution process and in order to preserve the legal status quo, Matchroom should remain informed on matters pertaining to Okolie. In response to Matchroom’s position, Smith argued that the referenced dispute resolution process relates to a promotional agreement that allegedly expired, and in considering the foregoing, Matchroom should have no right to be involved in any correspondence relating to Okolie. Shortly thereafter, Palmer responded that, pending the final determination of the dispute resolution proceedings, Matchroom puts a notice on all parties and advised that their legal rights are reserved and will take appropriate actions to protect such rights. Lastly, Smith responded to Palmer’s final communication stating that there is no dispute as to the legal controversy and advised the WBO that Team Okolie will not include Matchroom Boxing [on comunications] going forward and will be removing Matchroom from the e-mail chain. Considering the foregoing events, [the WBO] convened on December 6, 2022, to discuss the controversy at issue and resolve accordingly."

 

The WBO explained the decision to move up the purse bid date as follows: "Today’s ruling is straightforward. On December 5, 2022, [the WBO] ordered the commencement of negotiations between Team Okolie and Team Light as per the notice issued and published on the official WBO website and social media outlets. The parties were granted  twenty days to reach an agreement or purse bid proceedings would be called per WBO Rules and Regulations. Immediately upon issuance of the notice order, representatives of Team Okolie and Matchroom Boxing began arguing about which party had the right to be included and notified of all official rulings by the WBO pertaining to Okolie. Certainly, the above-referenced communications between Team Okolie and Matchroom Boxing reflect opposite positions and/or versions as to the promotional representation of Okolie. Therefore, considering the [conflicting] circumstances between the parties and the lack of communication going forward during the negotiation proceedings, [the WBO] strongly believes that purse bid proceedings shall be ordered immediately. In doing so, we avoid a futile negotiation process and a further delay in discharging the mandatory title defense obligation. By virtue of our decision, we put in immediate effect the applicable purse bid procedure; set forth the relevant provisions; protect the rights and interests of all involved parties and serve the best interests in the WBO and its cruiserweight division."