Chris Billam-Smith downs Lawrence Okolie, Leigh Wood beats Mauricio Lara, Luis Alberto Lopez stops Michael Conlan

Chris Billam-Smith is the new WBO cruiserweight champion after defeating Lawrence Okolie in Bournemouth on Saturday night, while Leigh Wood defeated Mauricio Lara in Manchester. Billam-Smith was fighting with home support at the Vitality Stadium, in front of 15,000 supporters, and the former friends produced a thrilling match-up. Ad Rivalry had become animosity as competition grew intense between two contenders who one shared a gym.

BoxingFury claims he has 'sent a contract' to Joshua for September Wembley title fightYESTERDAY AT 22:03 Billam-Smith faced a fierce barrage in the opening rounds, but after absorbing some powerful blows aimed to his body, and a right to the head, he did seem to be wobbling a little. However the challenger grew into the fight and sent Okolie to the canvas three times, and while there was a surprise scorecard from one judge ruling it a draw, two others were heavily in favour of Billam-Smith, who took the win by split decision. Speaking to Sky Sports after the fight, Okolie immediately welcomed a rematch, saying: «I love being the winner and the champion, I have to take my hat off to him, he did very good work.

We're going to run it back. »I trained really hard because I know what Chris is made of. Today is his night, I might be down but I'm definitely not out.

«This was Chris at his very best. »I can adapt to a loss, I'll be back again." Fury claims he has 'sent a contract' to Joshua for September Wembley title fight Cameron beats Taylor to retain light-welterweight title in Dublin 'What is he afraid of?' Usyk says Fury negotiations 'at an impasse' Billam-Smith celebrated: «I have no idea what's just happened. My whole life has gone so quick and come to this moment, it's just perfect.