Billam-Smith proves point in front of home fans to take Okolie’s title

Bournemouth fighter becomes WBO cruiserweight championOkolie knocked down several times before losing on pointsChris Billam-Smith was crowned the new WBO cruiserweight champion as he defeated Lawrence Okolie by majority decision in Bournemouth. Billam-Smith triumphed 112-112, 116-107, 115-108 to take the belt in front of his home crowd.To get there, Billam-Smith had to pace himself as he weathered an early storm from Okolie, being forced to the ropes several times. But in the fourth round, Billa