AJ’s protégée wins vacant WBO title

 

Lawrence Okolie delivered a punch-perfect display before landing a sixth-round knockout of Krzysztof Glowacki to become WBO world cruiserweight champion.

In just his 16th professional fight, Okolie used his height and reach to never allow Poland’s Glowacki close.

He started unloading his right hand in the fourth and looked completely at ease against a former world champion.

A pinpoint right ended matters, giving Okolie, 28, his first world title.

Okolie’s knockout came at 46 seconds of the round. He became the first boxer from heavyweight titleholder Anthony Joshua’s management company to win a world title.

Okolie took up boxing when he was inspired by Joshua’s gold medal triumph at the London 2012 Olympics. At the time he was working at a McDonald’s in London.

“I think I might cry in my hotel room, but not in front of anyone. It’s a blessed feeling. It’s crazy,” Okolie told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It’s important that I become one of Britain’s best cruiserweights and I have the opportunity to do that. This was a good win but there are more tests ahead.”