Johnny Nelson thinks Bournemouth’s Vigor Arena might show to be “a huge assistance” to Chris Billam-Smith, however has actually backed Lawrence Okolie’s punch power to win Saturday’s contest.
Okolie is putting his WBO cruiserweight title on the line versus Billam-Smith, an ex-sparring partner turned competing, reside on Sky Sports Action and Sky Display
After being stayed out of the ring for nearly a year, Okolie got rid of ring rust over 12 rounds versus compulsory opposition David Light in March.
Nevertheless, Sky Sports Boxing expert Nelson feels the battle place might well hold a significant benefit for regional preferred Billam-Smith.
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Okolie states he is all set to protect his title versus Billam-Smith and is getting ready for a difficult battle
” It might be a huge assistance, since when you remain in this type of pressure, some individuals – when the pressure is on them – their self-confidence isn’t entirely there,” Nelson informed Sky Sports News.
” When everyone is on you, you can’t deal and carry out under pressure. However I believe Chris Billam-Smith, he steps up to that, and we saw that the last time he boxed there in Bournemouth [vs Armend Xhoxhaj, December 2022].
” He increased to the event, and when he did the job, it was an emphatic knockout. Just how much would you desire a knockout in front of your house fans?
” Keep in mind, he moved advertising camps since he wished to box in the house in front of his own fans.
” Now, he’s got what he wanted. However combating at an arena … speak about beware what you long for. He’s got precisely that.
” He is the talk of the town, and he will be a Bournemouth star if he pulls this off.”
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Billam-Smith states he does not fear Okolie as he anticipates understanding his imagine carrying out at the Vigor Arena in Bournemouth
Nelson feels the power of 6ft 5in Okolie will show excessive on the night, however, in spite of what makes sure to be a hostile environment versus him.
” I’m going to need to go with documents. And documents informs me Lawrence Okolie,” Nelson stated, in regards to who he believes will win the bout.
” He has that punch power, and a tested performance history.
Okolie battles Billam-Smith at the Vigor Arena in Bournemouth on Saturday, May 27, reside on Sky Sports
” Chris Billam-Smith on Saturday night, whatever needs to form. He needs to mature and no longer be the trainee of Lawrence Okolie, he needs to take control of.
” So all the ask is on Chris Billam-Smith. Whatever remains in location for him to do it, and Lawrence Okolie has actually chosen to enter into the lions’ den and state: ‘I’ll have this’, however I’m siding towards Okolie.
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Ahead of this weekend’s WBO cruiserweight clash in between Okolie and Billam-Smith, have a look at a few of the very best British world title battles to have actually happened on Sky Sports
” However if I’m truthful with you, I like Bournemouth! Chris Billam-Smith boxed my mate last time, and I desire him to win so I can return once again!
” Bournemouth is absurd. So best of luck to both fighters.”
Do not miss out on Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith reside on Sky Sports Action and Sky Display from 7pm on Saturday night.
