In an unforgettable night in Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, Chris Billam-Smith emerged as the new WBO Cruiserweight champion, dethroning his former gym-mate Lawrence Okolie. With a hometown advantage and the support of 15,000 ecstatic fans, the underdog Billam-Smith knocked Okolie down three times on his way to a majority points victory.
Lawrence Okolie (19-1, 14 KO’s), frustrated throughout the fight, had two points deducted for holding and grappling, ultimately losing his unbeaten record. The judges’ scorecards reflected a close contest, reading 112-112, 116-107, and 115-108 in favor of Chris Billam-Smith (18-1, 12 KO’s).
Speaking to Sky Sports, a gracious Lawrence Okolie acknowledged his defeat, saying, “I love being a winner, I love being a champion, but I have to take my hat off to him, it was very good work. I am just pleased to be here in front of 15,000 with Chris, my friend.“
Chris Billam-Smith, a British, Commonwealth, and European Cruiserweight champion, claimed his first world title, improving his record to 18 wins and one loss. Despite being unwell leading up to the fight, he displayed tremendous resilience and dedicated the victory to his mother, who is currently battling breast cancer.
The atmosphere at the Vitality Stadium was electrifying, resembling that of a football match, with chants and cheers reverberating throughout the stands. Okolie was under pressure to deliver an entertaining fight, having faced criticism for his awkward style in the past, often relying on grappling tactics for victory.
From the outset, Okolie’s grappling tendencies were evident, with clinches occurring within the first 30 seconds. The referee consistently separated the fighters as Billam-Smith closed the distance. Okolie received warnings for pushing and holding, leaving the challenger frustrated as early as the second round.
While there were hopes that Okolie would showcase a more exciting style under trainer SugarHill Steward, he continued to resort to clinching throughout the bout. In the fourth round, out of nowhere, Billam-Smith landed a devastating left hook, sending Okolie to the canvas for the first time in his professional career. Although Okolie regained his feet, he appeared unsteady.
Points deductions followed in the fifth and seventh rounds as Okolie’s grappling persisted, with the referee left with no choice but to take action. The 10th round saw Okolie fall to the canvas again, courtesy of a powerful Billam-Smith left hook. Despite a spirited flurry from Okolie in the 11th round, Billam-Smith once again dropped him with an inside punch, securing the victory.
While Lawrence Okolie plans to activate his rematch clause and potentially move up to the heavyweight division in the future, the night undoubtedly belonged to Chris Billam-Smith. Credit is also due to trainer Shane McGuigan for devising a successful game plan.
Chris Billam-Smith, who initially joined McGuigan’s gym as a sparring partner, has defied expectations and proven himself on the world stage. Previously overshadowed by Okolie, he has now established himself as a British, Commonwealth, European, and world champion. This unforgettable evening in Bournemouth will forever be etched in the memories of Billam-Smith and the thousands of fans in attendance.
