Boxing: Chris Billam-Smith Upsets Lawrence Okolie to Win WBO Cruiserweight Title

Hometown Hero Stuns Former Gym-Mate in Bournemouth Bout

Bournemouth, England - August 21, 2023

In a thrilling upset, hometown hero Chris Billam-Smith dethroned former gym-mate Lawrence Okolie on Saturday night in Bournemouth, winning the WBO World cruiserweight championship by majority decision. Billam-Smith's fairy tale 12-round triumph marked a major upset and brought the title back to Bournemouth for the first time in history.

The fight was a clash of contrasting styles, with Billam-Smith's relentless pressure and body work proving too much for Okolie's more technical boxing. Billam-Smith, a former British and Commonwealth champion, weathered an early storm from Okolie and gradually gained control of the fight as it progressed.

The judges' scorecards reflected the close nature of the contest, with Billam-Smith winning by scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114. The victory was met with jubilation by the Bournemouth crowd and marked a significant moment in Billam-Smith's career.