Lawrence Okolie emerged victorious in his first fights in 13 months after a unanimous decision win against David Light. The win marked Okolie’s third successful title defence and took his unbeaten record to 19 fights with no loss. The match also marked Light’s first professional defeat.

The cruiserweight champion had spent the time since his last fight making changes to his team and routine, and it paid off with the excellent win on Saturday. Fighting for the first time as a boxer under Boxxer, Okolie showed immense skill, and even though he failed to end the match with a KO like he has done 14 times in the past, he still went home with the victory. 

The match started off in the usual way, with Okolie trying to steer things while landing some very heavy shots to weaken his opponent. But Light was not about to let the victory be an easy one for him and stood his ground for the first few rounds. 

Okolie began to assert himself in the fifth round, as he started to use his jab to measure Light before attempting to land his trademark right hand. The challenger took the shots well and continued to march forward, trying to close the distance.

By the eighth round, Okolie’s trainer, Sugar Hill Steward, was urging him to throw more right hands to the body, and he responded by jabbing high before going low. In the 10th round, Okolie looked like he was going to get the knockout when he landed three consecutive right hands, but somehow Light managed to stay on his feet.

Okolie seemed hesitant to empty the tank in search of a statement knockout, and the 11th round saw Light weather another storm from Okolie. More bombs pushed Light back onto the ropes, but his chin held up to the punishment.

The final round saw Okolie unable to put Light out, and he had to settle for a unanimous decision victory. Despite the result, Okolie will need to work on his range and accuracy if he hopes to continue his rise to the top of the cruiserweight division.

Leon Osamor