Chris-Billam Smith vs Lawrence Okolie - May 27 // Vitality Stadium

So is this for the WBA world title?

If 160 is a graveyard right now then cruiserweight is in the twilight zone at this point

 

Will probably try and go to this as it's not far from me at all. Think it'll be a step too far for CBS but should be a decent fight hopefully and his previous fights have had a great atmosphere too.

 

Great News !

 

Looking forward to this fight.

 

From that neck of the woods originally so may have to pop down for this.

 

This champ has been allowed to only fight once since 2019.

WBA the worst organisation after the WBC?

 

Tough question, it's a bit like being asked what's your favourite venereal disease

 

Great fight!

 

I'd actually say they were worse tbh

 

Great to see CBS get his much deserved title shot. He has a bit of luck on his side as a) it's such a poor devision, and b) he will be the home fighter so he should be a favourite here especially as he has been one of the more active fighters pandemic wise/post pandemic.

He's a fighter who has gone largely under the radar until the past 18-24 months, I'm a big fan and have followed him with interest for a long time.

He has many great attributes- he's very tough, that cannot be denied. He has a good, strong chin, and more than that can soak up a lot of punishment and still remain dangerous. He carries his power through to the later stages of hard fights. I feel like he's a strong, powerful puncher albeit not a one punch knock out artist or an explosive power puncher like Riakporhe and to a lesser extent Okolie. He has great fundamentals and is now a fighter with great experience and momentum behind him, not to mention a world class coach. He's got very good stamina generally and size wise measures up well against anyone. He is a bit smaller height wise than some of the giants but he is a true cruiserweight and does not have to aggressively boil himself down either like Okolie. I thought he was a touch unlucky not to get the decision in the Riakporhe fights too- although that was a very green Riakporhe he was fighting.

The downsides and his achilleas heel him are his temperament and focus in fights. He frequently drifts in fights and goes on what I call 'auto pilot' mode. He loses focus badly at times and I doubt his ability to follow a game plan. I think he does not take instruction massively well and likes a tear up too much. He often fights like he's got Beterbiev or peak Golovkin power when he does not.

This can make him look very crude in spells (I suppose he is to a degree) so a really slick boxer will cause him problems but overall he has enough to win a world title in this division.

He's almost always in entertaining fights, so roll on May 27th.

 

Nice small stadium for boxing and I’ve heard Bournemouth is great for a night out or weekend in the summer. Should be good for those who go. I’ve never seen Arsen fight though.

 

I doubt CBS will beat him.

 

Yeah, too true . Perhaps the question "death by hanging or electric chair?"

 

Just cause you haven't seen or heard of the cruiser champs doesn't mean they aren't good. Goulamarian and Opetai are quality champions. Although undoubtedly its nowhere near as strong a division as it was a few years ago.

no, if the bookies know anything aboupt boxing, Goulamarian will be the favourite. He is the strongest cruiser world champion right now imo.

Goulamarian is a strong, big punching, granite chinned beast who looks roided up. I rate Billam-Smith but I'm expecting a loss for him here.