Specials

Exclusive: Chris Billam-Smith interview – A month away from his first world title shot

Lawrence Okolie and Chris Billam-Smith during a press conference at the Landmark Hotel, London. Lawrence Okolie will aim for a fourth successful...

Bournemouth have won three straight away games to boost their chances of Premier League survival, and in a month’s time today their fans hope one of their own can make it a summer to savour when Chris Billam-Smith challenges for his first world title at the Vitality Stadium. I spoke to him about that, and much more, as WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie awaits him next. Continue reading “Exclusive: Chris Billam-Smith interview – A month away from his first world title shot”

Analysis, feature pieces

Lawrence Okolie vs. Chris Billam-Smith: World champion enters the lion’s den – against a friend – on May 27

10 days after he shook off the cobwebs in a drab-but-dominant world title defence against mandatory challenger David Light, WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie was surveying the scene in a Marylebone hotel. Why? A quick turnaround awaits in a tough ask on enemy soil down the south Coast, against friend Chris Billam-Smith and former trainer Shane McGuigan.
Continue reading “Lawrence Okolie vs. Chris Billam-Smith: World champion enters the lion’s den – against a friend – on May 27”

Boxing

Okolie defends WBO cruiserweight title with comfy but drab decision win vs. Light

Lawrence Okolie punches David Light during their 12x3 WBO World Cruiserweight Title fight at AO Arena on March 25, 2023 in Manchester, England.

He threatened a furious finish in rounds ten and eleven but David Light’s durability saw him survive, as WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie shook off ring rust and made the third defence of his title during a solid debut under new trainer SugarHill Steward in BOXXER’s Manchester main event.
Continue reading “Okolie defends WBO cruiserweight title with comfy but drab decision win vs. Light”