Okolie Vs. Chris Billam-Smith Pre-Fight Presser – The Key Moments
Lawrence Okolie faced Chris Billam-Smith in their final press conference before their cruiserweight title fight on May 27th, 2023.
Okolie will put his WBO cruiserweight title on the line as he is set to defend the belt for a fourth time. He arrives into the bout in mixed form, based on his last performance.
Despite getting a win over David Light, the Brit’s failure to knock him out did not go down well. In contrast, Billam-Smith is in a confident mood, having beaten Armend Xhoxhaj via a knockout in his last fight.
Much has been said about the nature of their relationship, with Okolie and Billiam-Smith being on very good terms. The two are familiar with each other, having trained and sparred together.
That was shown as they even took the time to have a hug during the pre-fight build-up. And yet, at the presser, it was clear that the two had put their friendship aside.
There was no handshake during the faceoff, as it was over in a matter of seconds.
As for the co-main event, Sam Eggington faces Joe Pigford. With that being said, here were the key comments from the presser.
Key Quotes
🗣️ "I'm in AMAZING shape and I'm coming to do a JOB!"
💥 @Lawrence_tko 💥#OkolieBillamSmith | @boxxer pic.twitter.com/CUjZRGjMDx
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) May 25, 2023
On the task ahead: “I’m very confident in myself, and a lot of stuff I’ve heard coming from their camp is based on me being less… but I can say that I’m in amazing shape,” Okolie
🗣️ "I'm coming to make an extremely BIG statement!" 🔥@Lawrence_tko is ready. #OkolieBillamSmith pic.twitter.com/Xm05G3NvBg
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) May 25, 2023
Prediction: “I’m coming to make an extremely big statement on the weekend. As much as I love and respect the other side, I just think a lot of this stuff has been built up around destiny and world titles… but I’m my own man,” Okolie
Chris Billam-Smith on what it means to headline at the Vitality Stadium 🍒💪#OkolieBillamSmith | @boxxer | @afcbournemouth pic.twitter.com/S6GObGEjdj
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) May 25, 2023
On having a title shot: “We’re here now. It’s fight week. You know, I got to see the stadium yesterday and it put a huge smile on my face and filled me with a lot of emotion which is good,” Billam-Smith
"They've been AMAZING!" 🌟@ChrisBillam on the @afcbournemouth support 🍒#OkolieBillamSmith | @boxxer pic.twitter.com/QQCfaXTT0D
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) May 25, 2023
On the fans: “They have been amazing. Anytime I’m in Bournemouth and people see me and you know I’m feeling great energy from the whole town. They have been brilliant,” Billam-Smith
Full Card
Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith
Mikael Lawal vs Isaac Chamberlain
Sam Eggington vs Joe Pigford
Lee Cutler vs Stanley Stannard
Karriss Artingstall vs Jade Taylor
Tommy Welch vs Amine Boucetta
Michael McKinson vs Lebin Morales
Lewis Edmondson vs Vladimir Belujsky
Mace Ruegg vs Dean Dodge