Chris Billam-Smith dethrones Lawrence Okolie in ugly maul

Lawrence Okolie and his former gym-mate Chris Billam-Smith combined to produce a drab yet somehow dramatic Boxxer main event in the latter’s Bournemouth hometown. It is testament to the hero status of CBS in this South Coast enclave that the vociferous crowd remained engaged throughout an ugly maul that felt as gruelling watching on Sky Sports as it must have been for the combatants.

Billam-Smith emerged a clear victor after 12 tiresome rounds, due to three knockdowns (only one of which was clear), a couple of fully justified points deductions and a desire to work. Okolie ceded the WBO cruiserweight title and suffered his first defeat as a pro, but only really has himself to blame.

CBS was smart and determined, also making clear to the increasingly exasperated referee whenever (and it was frequent) Okolie held or used his shoulder. The champion hardly hid his intentions either, often throwing one shot then imediately grabbing or even dispensing with the pretence of punching entirely.

The one undoubted knockdown came in round four, a potent Billam-Smith left hook as the pair emerged from a tangle doing the damage. It proved the highlight of an ugly yet tense contest, as Okolie found himself in a hole he was never able to climb out of.

Despite all the points deductions, Okolie never varied his approach and CBS deserves credit for staying disciplined and showing will and endeavour. If anyone deserved to win, it was him.

Chris took the majority decision with scores of 116-107 and 115-108, against a bizarre 112-112. His partisan fans then exploded in happiness, plus perhaps an element of relief that it was over.

Okolie later expressed a willingness to exercise their these-days-obligatory rematch clause, but it will need to once again take place in Bournemouth to sell, after that turgid mess.