Okolie vs Cieslak LIVE: Fight stream, latest updates and result tonight
Okolie secured a unanimous-decision victory over his Polish opponent in front of a hometown crowd in London, though Cieslak had the majority of the support
Lawrence Okolie retained his WBO cruiserweight title against Michal Cieslak on Saturday night, outpointing the Pole in a scrappy affair.
Okolie was the hometown fighter in London’s O2 Arena, but it was his challenger who had the greater support throughout the main-event contest, which marked the Briton’s second defence of the belt. Okolie (18-0, 14 knockouts) remained unbeaten with the victory, which was hard fought and failed to see the 29-year-old operate at his highest level. The former Team GB Olympian struggled to time his right hand throughout the fight, while Cieslak (21-2, 15 KOs) frequently held the champion and looked to make it a messy contest. Ultimately, however, Okolie established a lead and made it to the final bell without that advantage having come under any real threat.
As such, it was little surprise when the judges’ scorecards were all revealed to favour Okolie – 117-110, 116-111, 115-112 – though the third flattered Cieslak.
On the undercard, Galal Yafai enjoyed a successful professional debut after winning gold for Britain at last summer’s Olympics in Tokyo. Also in action was Cambpell Hatton, son of British boxing icon Ricky Hatton. who secured a stoppage win to match Yafai’s. Re-live all the action from Okolie vs Cieslak and the evening’s undercard fights, below.
Okolie def. Cieslak
Full main-event report:
Lawrence Okolie outpoints Michal Cieslak in scrappy bout to retain cruiserweight belt
The Londoner was a unanimous-decision winner in the English capital, where his Polish opponent has considerable support
Okolie def. Cieslak
Mairis Briedis could be a future opponent for Okolie...
Okolie def. Cieslak
Okolie: “It’s paramount [to get the job done by any means].
“The right hand... He was tucking under it very well, so I was trying to find different angles. I think I was taking too long to find the right shot.
“He had a lot of grit. I thought when I dropped him in the fifth that I’d close the show.
“I think it’s difficult to get up for certain fights when I’m looking at potential unifications...”
Okolie def. Cieslak
Lawrence Okolie def. Michal Cieslak via unanimous decision (117-110, 116-111, 115-112).
Okolie vs Cieslak
Round 12
Okolie hits the canvas but only after stumbling in a clinch.
He’s back up and gets reckless now! There’s no need for these wild shots, with the Briton surely well clear on the scorecards.
The pair clinch again and teeter against the ropes. After they separate, Okolie lands a few left hooks in various entries.
The opponents touch gloves as the final bell sounds!
Okolie vs Cieslak
Round 11
Lots of holding early in this round. A brief break sees Okolie pummel a right hook into his opponent’s gut.
Okolie connects with a heavy overhand right from range, though Cieslak partially blocks it.
Cieslak then plods forward to meet Okolie in the middle of the ring as “Michal” chants ring out again.
Okolie vs Cieslak
Round 10
Okolie lands with a right hand from range! Similar with a right hook to the body!
Cieslak connects with a short right uppercut in the clinch shortly thereafter.
The pair separate and Cieslak simply waits for Okolie to approach. That’s not going to help the Pole.
Okolie is starting to find a home for the right hand with greater frequency.
Okolie vs Cieslak
Round 9
Cieslak holds Okolie... again... The Briton wrestles his head free.
He fails to catch Cieslak with a right hook as the Pole rushes in.
Good head movement from Okolie to evade some winging punches from Cieslak.
Some good left body hooks from range by Okolie now! Great work! A different weapon for the Londoner.
Again, the pair trade shots after the bell.
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