Billam-Smith proves point in front of home fans to take Okolie’s title

Bournemouth fighter becomes WBO cruiserweight championOkolie knocked down several times before losing on points

Chris Billam-Smith is the new WBO cruiserweight world champion after defeating the previously unbeaten Lawrence Okolie, who was knocked down three times and also docked two points for his ugly and excessive brawling.

Two of the judges had Billam-Smith a comprehensive winner by margins of 116-107 and 115-108 while the third official bizarrely decided it was a 112-112 draw. It was a ridiculous score and the first two judges at least captured the mayhem of Okolie’s desperate tactics and the controlled discipline of Billam-Smith who deserved all the plaudits.

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