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LAWRENCE OKOLIE will return to the ring and defend his WBO cruiserweight title against Chris Billam-Smith later this month.

'The Sauce' retained his title back in March, overcoming David Light at the Manchester Arena.

Okolie was victorious by unanimous decision against the New Zealand 31-year-old.

The judges scored the fight 116-112, 119-108 and 117-110.

Okolie is unbeaten in all of his 19 professional bouts, winning 14 by way of KO.

The title challenger, Chris Billam-Smith goes into the fight on the back of a knockout win against Armend Xhoxhaj.

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'The Gentleman' has won 17 of his 18 fights with his only loss coming in 2019 to Richard Riakporhe.

Chris Billam-Smith was formally one of Lawrence Okolie's key sparring partners when they two trained together at Shane McGuigan's gym.

The Sauce now has the same coach as Tyson Fury, SugarHill Steward.

When is Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith?

  • Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith will take place on Saturday, May 27th.
  • The card is expected to get underway from 7pm.
  • The ringwalks for the main event are scheduled for 10pm.
  • The Vitality Stadium will play host.

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What channel is Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith on and can it be live streamed?

  • Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Boxing.
  • Sky Sports customers can live stream all of the action via the NOW app.
  • If you are not a Sky Sports customer, you can purchase a NOW Sports Membership for £34.99, which will give you access to all 11 Sky Sports channels and can be cancelled at any time.

Who is on the undercard?

Here are all the confirmed fights on the card so far:

  • Okolie vs Billam-Smith for the WBO Cruiserweight title 
  • Mikael Lawal vs Isaac Chamberlain
  • Lee Cutler vs Stanley Stannard
  • Mace Ruegg vs Dean Dodge
  • Lewis Edmondson vs Vladimir Belujsky
  • Michael McKinson vs TBA
  • Tommy Welch vs TBA
  • Sam Eggington vs Joe Pigford
  • Karriss Artingstall vs Jade Taylor

What has been said?

Speaking to Sky Sports Okolie said: "I know that they're going to come. Their whole game plan is going to be around getting on my chest and screaming for points, all this stuff.

"So I'm very much aware of the psyche that they're into, which is: 'We can't beat Lawrence in a fight. We can't. We can try and get a lucky punch but maybe we can make it a maul and get the crowd behind and throw him off.'

"But I've never been that way inclined. I'm very focused, razor sharp, so I'm looking forward to showing it."

The challenger Chris Billam-Smith said: "I like Lawrence, he's a funny guy but he's got something I want, it's business.

"I dreamed of playing on the pitch one day, but my feet weren't quite as good as my hands. My dream now is win a world title at the stadium. 

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"I don't fear anyone, we've tried to fight every champion there is and Lawrence is one of them. I respect him but don't fear him."

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