Okolie vs Billam-Smith LIVE! Boxing updates and undercard outcomes
O
kolie vs Billam-Smith LIVE!
Lawrence Okolie defends his world title tonight in a much-anticipated all-British conflict towards Chris Billam-Smith. The WBO cruiserweight champion is the person with the belt however he shall be very unpopular tonight on the Vitality Stadium, as hometown hero Billam-Smith will get the combat he has at all times dreamed of in Bournemouth.
Despite his unbeaten skilled boxing document of 19-0, Okolie has usually been questioned over the model of his victories, which have hardly ever are available in thrilling style. The 30-year-old has been world champion since 2019, most just lately defending the title simply 9 weeks in the past towards David Light in considerably uninteresting style.
A extra entertaining show will certainly be the plan tonight, another in line with coach SugarHill Steward’s model, however Billam-Smith may have his eyes on Okolie’s belt. Almost the entire 15,000 followers in attendance shall be behind the Bournemouth fighter, who has put eight consecutive wins collectively since dropping to Richard Riakporhe practically 4 years in the past. Follow Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith LIVE beneath!
Live updates
So far tonight…
There has already been some motion in Bournemouth, forward of the primary undercard getting underway.
Razor Ali was knocked down within the second spherical however got here again from that to win on factors, whereas Tommy Welch had additionally acquired the job executed after his combat went the gap.
Bournemouth behind their man!
Billam-Smith is an everyday on the Vitality Stadium, watching Bournemouth all through the season, and he now will get his probability on the massive stage.
He’d like to have a belt to stroll out onto the pitch when the brand new season will get underway in August!
Main occasion prediction
Okolie is the apparent favorite to retain his WBO belt for the fourth time on Saturday, although he will certainly not have the ability to coast to the end line in considerably uninteresting style as he has now in back-to-back wins over Cieslak and Light.
Naturally it is going to take some time for Okolie to point out the advantages of his new partnership with Steward, however he wants to start out producing extra pleasure shortly if he’s to understand his grand plans for unifying the cruiserweight division and doubtlessly becoming a member of the heavyweight ranks.
If the champion does present any indicators of slugishness this weekend, then Billam-Smith is unquestionably well-placed to take benefit. As a good friend and former sparring associate of Okolie’s, therefore the entire lack of any of the same old animosity or needle within the build-up to this combat, he possesses actual information of his weaknesses and the way finest to take advantage of them.
The undeniable fact that Billam-Smith – whose solely skilled loss to this point got here on factors towards Richard Riakporhe in 2019 – remains to be skilled by McGuigan provides one other intriguing sub-plot to the competition, with Shane having insisted that he is aware of precisely the right way to beat his former cost.
Ultimately Billam-Smith’s explosive nature means win or lose he received’t permit this to be a boring bout in entrance of an adoring house crowd at a packed-out stadium, together with his aggressive strategy doubtlessly set to coax a fiery efficiency from Okolie in the end.
Billam-Smith has by no means beforehand been stopped, however that would effectively change right here in a valiant effort as he goes for broke to try to spring an upset.
Okolie to win by late knockout.
Card in full
Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith
Mikael Lawal vs Isaac Chamberlain
Sam Eggington vs Joe Pigford
Lee Cutler vs Stanley Stannard
Karriss Artingstall vs Jade Taylor
Tommy Welch vs Amine Boucetta
Michael McKinson vs Lebin Morales
Lewis Edmondson vs Vladimir Belujsky
Mace Ruegg vs Dean Dodge
Your timings for tonight…
The card takes place tonight on the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, with capability expanded from 12,000 to fifteen,000 seats.
The undercard is because of start at 7pm BST, with primary occasion ring walks anticipated at roughly 10pm. As ever, actual timings are topic to alter.
How to look at Okolie vs Billam-Smith
TV channel: Okolie vs Billam-Smith is being broadcast reside within the UK on Sky Sports, with protection starting on Sky Sports Action at 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event at 8pm.
Live stream: Subscribers can even watch reside on-line by way of the Sky Go app.
Live protection: You can observe the entire card reside proper right here with us!
Good night!
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE protection of Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith!
World title motion developing tonight as the 2 British cruiserweights meet in Bournemouth, with Okolie placing his WBO world title on the road.
Billam-Smith although is the person with the house benefit, and he’ll be roared on by 15,000 followers as he seems to turn out to be world champion towards a person he’s very accustomed to.
We’ll have full protection of the primary occasion later tonight, with all of the motion from the undercard to return earlier than then. Stay with us!