Lawrence Okiole
Lawrence Okiole

Lawrence Okiole wins Commonwealth cruiserweight title


Lawrence Okiole claimed the Commonwealth cruiserweight title with an emphatic third-round stoppage of Luke Watkins.

The 25-year-old, a 2016 Olympian for Team GB, sent Watkins to the canvas twice in the third round, continuing his undefeated start to professional boxing.

The win means that after just nine fights he has two belts, having already held the WBA Contintental title.

Watkins was also undefeated but finally suffered a loss in his 13th fight after being overpowered in Bethnal Green.

Okiole's superiority soon came to the fore and he landed some heavy blows in the opening two rounds.

Watkins was sent down with just seconds of the third round gone and then after getting to his feet he was knocked down again, with the reigning champion's corner throwing the towel in.

Okiole told Sky Sports: "It was good, there is a lot of my game that you haven't seen yet.

"What people don't understand is to get to the Olympics, turn professional and do what I have done, you have to have something about you and I believe I have.

"Shoutout to Luke Watkins, he asked to fight, came to the fight, I got the win and much respect to him.

"People disrespect me in that they think everything has been given to me when I have had to work for it.

"I am just scratching the surface, I still haven't been hit hard clean, I haven't had to overcome adversity, knockdowns stuff like that so there is still a lot to be learned.

"I am ready to learn on the go."

Like what you've read?

MOST READ

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

Next Off

Fixtures & Results

Fetching latest games....
We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo