Lawrence Okolie has vowed to damage Chris Billam-Smith’s fairy story by beating him in a world title combat in entrance of his house followers at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium subsequent month.
Okolie, the WBO cruiserweight champion, is unbeaten in 19 skilled fights, profitable 14 by knockout, with Billam-Smith’s coach Shane McGuigan even labelling him « the most effective cruiserweight on the planet proper now ».
A former coaching associate of Billam-Smith’s from McGuigan’s fitness center, Okolie is now working beneath new coach SugarHill Steward and has promised to « stamp out » Billam-Smith’s dream homecoming.
« No matter you need to say about it, I have not come near dropping a combat ever, » Okolie informed Sky Sports activities.
There was loads of respect between Lawrence Okolie and Chris Billam-Smith as they went face to face on the press convention forward of their combat on Might 27
« This one, nonetheless, is a really completely different power. I do know what Chris is like.
« I understand how Chris trains. He’s a tough coach, he’s devoted and, on the day, he’s going to come back and put all of it on the road.
« It is a childhood dream of his and I am not into fairy tales for different individuals. I am into my very own fairy story, to stamp out his dream.
« Respectfully, I’m right here to damage the get together. »
Chris Billam-Smith says he doesn’t concern Lawrence Okolie as he appears to be like ahead to realising his dream of performing on the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth
Okolie: I’ve acquired a degree to show on this combat
Okolie is anticipating a hostile reception from the the partisan house crowd for the Bournemouth bout, however insists he’ll « get pleasure from each second ».
« Chris goes to stroll out first and the gang goes to cheer and all be sporting black and purple, » Okolie mentioned. « They’ll play the music of the Bournemouth membership. The ambiance goes to be superb.
« I will stroll out subsequent, prone to boos: ‘We hope Chris knocks you out, you suck, no matter it’s.’
« I’m going to play my ring music, I will get pleasure from each second as a result of within the good and the unhealthy it’s a must to get pleasure from each step of this journey. It is a quick profession.
« Then the bell goes to go and I will present everybody. I’ve acquired a degree to show on this combat. »
Billam-Smith has predicted a knockout win over Okolie for when the pair meet subsequent month, however once more the world champion is taking all of it in his stride.
« He is attempting to be practical with himself, » Okolie mentioned.
Highlights of Lawrence Okolie in opposition to David Gentle because the Brit retained his WBO world cruiserweight title in Manchester
« He is not going to beat me on a 12-round determination as a result of I’m very athletic, I am very match and I am not going to lose rounds while you watch my fights.
« So for him to win he’ll have to actually get the pictures off to try to get the KO.
« He is not going to foretell the 12-round determination so I count on that. »
