Lawrence Okolie (9-0-0, 7 KO’s) added the Commonwealth cruiserweight title to his WBA Continental strap with a savage third round stoppage victory over Luke Watkins (13-1-0, 9 KO’s) at York Hall.
After a feeling out process in the opening round, Okolie began to find the target with regularity in the second, landing a thudding right hand to the top of Watkins’ head to grab his attention.
With Watkins offering little in reply, Okolie continued to search for an opening for his trademark right hand.
He would not be kept waiting long, after an absolute howitzer landed in the third to turn the champion’s legs to jelly. With Okolie sensing an early end to proceedings, he would pour forward and unload on his opponent, dropping him to the canvas with several unanswered blows to the head.
After bravely dragging himself to his feet, Watkins would ship further punishment, suffering another knockdown shortly after before the referee called a merciful halt to proceedings.
The performance represents a serious statement of intent from Okolie, who after producing a sub-par performance last time out in a victory over rival Isaac Chamberlain, reminded boxing fans of his considerable punching power.