WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie has promised to knock out former training partner Chris Billam-Smith when both fighters clash on May 27 at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.
It will be the fourth title defence for the London-born Nigerian fighter after victories against Dilan Prašović, Michał Cieślak and recently David Light on March 25 in Manchester.
Both fighters trained at Shane McGuigan’s gym, and now that Okolie is working with American coach SugarHill Steward, a matchup with the highly regarded Billam-Smith is feasible.
While Billam-Smith is excited about the prospect of fighting for a world title in his home town and in the presence of family and friends, “Fighting someone I know very well for a world title is a very exciting opportunity, I’m elated to be fighting at the home of my beloved AFC Bournemouth in front of my phenomenal fans,” Okolie is looking at earning himself a knockout win.
“I’m pumped, I’m ready to go,” Okolie said. “I’ve just come off a successful defence where I won all 12 rounds against an unknown but tough competitor, a national champion in his homeland.
“Now weeks later I am going in against a known tough boxer, a top 10 ranked boxer, former European champion and current Commonwealth champion Chris Billam-Smith.
“Not many fighters make back to back defences in such a short space of time. Not many pick the hardest fights available to them, but that’s what I’m about.
“Chris, I love you, but I have to get the KO in this one.”
