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Lawrence Okolie returns against Billam-Smith at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium.
British professional boxer of Nigerian descent Lawrence Okolie is set to return to the ring.
Okolie defends his WBO world cruiserweight title against challenger Chris Billam-Smith.
The fight between Okolie and Billam-Smith was announced with the two fighters present on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
Okolie takes on Billam-Smith
When Lawrence Okolie visits a foe nation to defend his place at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth on May 27, there will be a seismic confrontation on the south coast.
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The largest boxing event ever to take place on the south coast will take place at the Vitality Stadium, home of Billam-favorite Smith's Premier League football team, AFC Bournemouth.
The WBO world cruiserweight title has been held by Londoner Okolie since his March 2021 stoppage victory over Krzysztof Gowacki.
Since then, he has made three successful defenses, most recently inflicting the first loss of his professional career on New Zealand champion David Light in the match in Manchester last month.
Okolie has seen a group of legitimate cruiserweight contenders emerges while he has been in power.
Billam-Smith from Bournemouth, Richard Riakporhe from London, and Mikael Lawal are three indigenous stars who have their sights set on his throne.
Press conference for fight
Okolie announced the fight on his official Instagram account with a message that said, "For the legacy and for the fans. When I say something I mean it."
Speaking to the press conference at the pre-fight press conference, he said, “Not many fighters make back-to-back defenses in such a short space of time.
“Not many pick the hardest fights available to them, but that's what I'm about.
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11:22 - 26.03.2023
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“Chris - I love you, but I have to get the KO in this one."
Billam-Smith celebrated fighting in front of his home fans in Bournemouth with a message that said, "World Title Incoming."
He added, at the conference, "Fighting someone I know 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 and on May 27th I will repay them by winning a world title."
Victory for Okolie against Billam-Smith sets up a mega fight against English professional boxer of Nigerian descent Dan Azeez.
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