Watkins vs Okolie: All you need to know about the Commonwealth cruiserweight title fight on JD NXTGEN
Wednesday 6 June 2018 23:35, UK
Luke Watkins vs Lawrence Okolie is the headline fight at the home of British boxing, so here's all you need to know before the latest JD NXTGEN show, on your screens tonight...
Live JD Nxtgen Boxing
Background
Lawrence Okolie has always said he wants to clean up the domestic scene and has proved he is not one for waiting around. Straight after his British Beef win over Isaac Chamberlain, 'The Sauce' went straight for the Commonwealth champion.
Luke Watkins is not as well known as his challenger but is more than happy to put his belt on the line for the second time. He has been a sparring partner of Tony Bellew and this could be his breakout fight, but all eyes will be on Okolie. There has been no bad blood, but there is plenty of pressure on the challenger at a packed York Hall.
What the fighters say...
I'm sure he wants to be the Commonwealth champion, but I want what he has, in respect that I want to be on the big stage. I believe there is enough for everyone and I believe I beat Lawrence, so I'm here.
If he shows his championship heart and championship grit then it could be over a little bit longer. My main thing isn't to see if I can knock him out, it's when and if I take any damage on the way.
What their rivals say...
I don't believe Watkins has got it in him to hurt him. I could be wrong, but I think Okolie will stop him between seven and nine rounds.
I can probably see Okolie stopping him, just because of his awkwardness and range. From what I've seen from Luke Watkins, he is a late starter and we know Okolie comes out of the blocks fast.
What the pundits expect...
Okolie is so much bigger and probably stronger, and the one big worry Watkins has is that he can get caught by too many rights. We know Okolie has a big right so I am going for him, and I don't see it going the distance.
I think Watkins' style is made for Okolie. He is tough and can whack a bit with the right, but he hasn't mixed with any real class, so even though he is Commonwealth champion, this is a big step up.
Okolie's sheer size, his length and awkwardness is a massive attribute to have. I am not one for sitting on the fence, but I genuinely don't know who is going to win. This is one of those 50-50 fights that is going to be good.
Essential reading...
There is more than the main event to entertain the sold-out crowd and Sky Sports Action viewers, with Reece Bellotti defending his Commonwealth featherweight title, the explosive Daniyar Yeleussinov out to show why he can better compatriot Gennady Golovkin, and Ted Cheeseman and Felix Cash clash in familiar surroundings, always looking to steal the show.
All of them bar one have been on a JD NXTGEN show before and they will tell you exactly how it has grown since the fledgling days 15 months ago. Big titles on the line, big names making the grade and some big knockouts, all the way...
Read the NXTGEN story so far here
Weigh-in...
Lawrence Okolie: 14st 2lbs 5oz
Luke Watkins: 14st 2lbs 7oz
Watch what's coming...
Watch Luke Watkins vs Lawrence Okolie, as well as Reece Bellotti, Daniyar Yeleussinov, Ted Cheeseman and Felix Cash, on NXTGEN, from York Hall, on June 6, live on Sky Sports Action.
