Chris Billam-Smith dropped former stablemate Lawrence Okolie three times to snatch the world title from his rival in a scrappy encounter.
Okolie travelled to the south coast to defend his WBO belt against former stablemate Chris Billam-Smith at the Vitality Stadium home of Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth. The home favourite Billam-Smith was hoping to capitalise on his long-awaited title shot to become world champion at the first time of asking, while Okolie was looking to make a statement to set up a potential clash with Richard Riakporhe.
And it was Billam-Smith who was handed the win on the judges scorecards with the contest scored at 112-112, 116-107, 115-108. The Bournemouth native earned his world crown having dropped his rival three times, alongside two poin deductions for his long-term friend who was fortunate not to receive more.
