Johnny Nelson believes Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium will be “a big help” to Chris Billam-Smith, but is backing Lawrence Okolie’s strength to win the competition on Saturday.
Okolie puts his WBO cruiserweight title on the line against Billam-Smith, an ex-sparring partner turned rival, live on Action on Sky Sports and Sky Showcase.
After being kept out of the ring for almost a year, Okolie shook off the ring rust in 12 rounds against mandatory challenger David Light in March.
However, Sky Sports Boxing pundit Nelson feels the venue of the fight could have a huge advantage for local favorite Billam-Smith.
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Okolie says he is ready to defend his title against Billam-Smith and is preparing for a tough fight
“It can be a big help, because when you’re under this kind of pressure, some people — when the pressure is on them — their confidence isn’t quite there,” Nelson said. Sky Sports News.
“When everything is on you, you’re not able to cope and perform under pressure. But I think Chris Billam-Smith, he’s kept that going, and we saw that the last time he was boxing at Bournemouth [vs Armend Xhoxhaj, December 2022].
“He rose to the occasion, and when he got the job done, it was an emphatic knockout. How much do you want a knockout in front of your home fans?
“Remember, he switched promotion camps because he wanted to box at home in front of his own fans.
“Now, he’s got what he’s been dreaming of. But fighting in a stadium…talk about being careful what you wish for. He’s got that.
“He’s the talk of the town, and he’ll be a sensation at Bournemouth if he takes it.”
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Billam-Smith says he is not afraid of Okolie as he looks forward to fulfilling his dream of performing at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium
Nelson felt the power of the 6ft 5in Okolie would prove too much on the night, however, despite what was sure to be a hostile atmosphere against him.
“I’m going to have to go with paperwork. And paperwork tell me Lawrence Okolie,” said Nelson, who he thinks will win the contest.
“He has a powerful punch, and a proven track record.
Okolie takes on Billam-Smith at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth on Saturday, May 27, live on Sky Sports
“Chris Billam-Smith on Saturday night, everything has to be put in place. He has to grow and not be Lawrence Okolie’s student, he will take over.
“So all the questions are on Chris Billam-Smith. Everything is in place for him to do this, and Lawrence Okolie decided to go to the lions’ den and say: ‘I have it’, but I siding towards Okolie.
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Ahead of this week’s WBO cruiserweight clash between Okolie and Billam-Smith, check out some of the best British world title fights happening on Sky Sports
“But if I’m honest with you, I love Bournemouth! Chris Billam-Smith boxed my mate last time, and I want him to win so I can go back again!
“Bournemouth is funny. So good luck to both fighters.”
Don’t miss Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Showcase from 7pm on Saturday.
