Boxe : Lawrence Okolie assomme Krzysztof Glowacki

London-born Nigerian fighter Lawrence Okolie won the WBO cruiserweight title after knocking out Krzysztof Glowack in the sixth round with a powerful right hand at the SSE Arena in Wembley on Sunday. Following his victory, Okolie has now won all 16 of his fights, 13 of which have been by knockout.

Boxer Lawrence Okolie (28), emulated Tony Bellew, David Haye and Johnny Nelson, who previously held world crowns in the heavyweight division. He also matched the Nigerian-born British heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua’s rapid rise to the world title in just 16 fights.

Lawrence Okolie hit Glowacki with a jab followed by a right hand, which pushed the Pole back on his heels in the first round. The Nigerian then used his longer limbs as an advantage, stabbing jabs and stinging body shots in round 2 and round 3. He again used his size and reach to never allow his 34-year-old Polish opponent to get close.

He started to unload his right hand in the 4th round, which rattled his 34-year-old opponent. The jolting blows punished Glowacki, every time he strayed into striking range in the 5th round before Okolie brought the fight to a brutal end in the next round. A destructive right hand sent Glowacki to the ground, prompting referee McDonnell to signal Okolie’s triumph.

Okolie speaking about his victory after the fight, noting, « I think I could cry in my hotel room, but not in front of anyone. It’s a blessed feeling. It’s crazy. It’s important that I become one of the best cruiserweights in Britain and I have the opportunity to do that. It was a good win, but there are more fights to come.