Sunday 4 February 2018 10:47, UK
Lawrence Okolie floored Isaac Chamberlain twice as he earned the bragging rights over his London rival with a wide points victory at The O2.
The cruiserweight prospects put their unbeaten records on the line in the capital on Saturday night and it was Okolie who emerged victorious as he dropped Chamberlain in the first and sixth rounds on the way to a unanimous points win with scores of 98-89, 96-90 and 97-89.
The raw power of Okolie was evident in the opening minute as a glancing right hand sent Chamberlain crumpling to the canvas by the corner.
Chamberlain nodded knowingly, aware of his defensive lapse, and Okolie then showed his strength as he shoved his opponent to the canvas.
A worrying start for Chamberlain worsened in the second round as he was docked a point by referee Steve Gray for holding.
Both men continued to wrestle at close quarters in the third, and Okolie seemed to briefly trouble Chamberlain with a cuffing hook.
Okolie tried to force Chamberlain over the ropes during a scrappy fourth round, which ended with referee Gray warning each fighter for more holding.
The rugged aggression of Okolie seemed to edge the fifth, and he would hurt Chamberlain again in the sixth round.
Okolie uncorked a chopping right hand that forced the Brixton man to touch the canvas with his glove, prompting another count from Gray, although time ticked away before the Hackney fighter could launch a follow-up attack.
There was a despondent look on the face of Chamberlain in the seventh round as he remained in a defensive shell, while Okolie would impose his will again in the eighth, pumping out spiteful punches.
Okolie was hunting for another knockout victory and punished Chamberlain with stiff right hands in the ninth, but would himself be docked a point for holding.
Needing a knockout, Chamberlain finally showed urgency in the last round, although he was again pushed onto the canvas as the bullish Okolie closed out a dominant victory.
