Boxing News: Chris Billam-Smith defeated Lawrence Okolie by a majority decision to earn the WBO cruiserweight world championship, handing him his first professional loss. But he is committed to returning.
“That’s boxing. I’m down but I’m not out, that much I’m certain of. Chris had a solid performance,” Okolie stated.
“However, there was nothing in there that gave me the impression that he was improbable or anything else. Simply said, that was a good performance. He risked everything, and he was rewarded for it, but I will surely push for another fight.”
At a sold-out Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, Billam-Smith’s jubilant supporters cheered him on to victory.
However, Okolie would go back to Billam-Smith’s hometown to try to reclaim his former championship.
“I found it to be exciting. I won’t mince words. I was smitten. For an opponent to come with everything, it’s really difficult to duplicate such enthusiasm,” according to Okolie.
“Fighting in someone’s backyard while seeing their whole collection. Chris was excellent, and that victory is likely to boost his confidence. There isn’t much more to it, though. It would be better for me to win here if I’m going to lose in Bournemouth.”
He is convinced that the next time they fight, it would be different.
“It was working great while I was letting the shots fly. He was able to pull off short shoots when I was there pressing it, but nothing was coming off,” Okolie said.
“He was able to continue to grind. That, along with the initial takedown, and his strong momentum were key factors. For me, it was only a matter of making a few little adjustments.
“I know how boxing works; he performed well; today is his day; tomorrow will be mine.”
Okolie said that the two points the referee deducted from him were unfair.
“In boxing, there are specific stances that you are permitted to assume, and every bout involves at least two opponents. Naturally, given the situation, you have Shane McGuigan in the corner saying, “He’s holding! Anybody may become agitated,” he remarked.
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