Okolie stops Głowacki to claim WBO title

The trip to London ended in failure. In a fight for the vacant WBO junior heavyweight world title, Lawrence Okolie (16-0, 13 KOs) stopped Krzysztof Głowacki (31-3, 19 KOs).

“Balance, feints,” trainer Fiodor Łapin shouted from the corner from the opening bell. Głowacki tried to close the distance by stepping in with his right foot, but his opponent kept him at a safe range thanks to his excellent physical advantages. In the first round, Okolie also landed a powerful right-hand counter. In the second, he controlled the Pole with his jab. He also looked for a right hook to the body and a right uppercut. Fortunately, most of the punches that found their mark were aimed downstairs. “Główka” tried to get closer but could not break through with a powerful, accurate shot.

In the third round, the Briton continued to control the fight with his long jab. The Pole accelerated twice and moved into mid-range, but Okolie cleverly clinched to neutralize the danger. After the break, the Englishman landed a powerful right cross and followed it up moments later with a right hook. He pressed forward, believing he had hurt his opponent. Głowacki responded with a tremendous left hook thrown with a full twist. He missed, but it cooled Okolie’s enthusiasm somewhat. Late in the round, the Briton landed another accurate right to the body. After three rounds, he was clearly ahead, although he had not seriously threatened the boxer from Wałcz.

In the fifth round, Okolie consistently landed his jab. One of those punches opened a cut on Głowacki’s right eyebrow. Unable to reach his opponent’s head, the Pole tried to attack the body instead. “You have to tire him out,” trainer Łapin advised from the corner.

Unfortunately, the sixth round proved to be the last. About thirty seconds in, Okolie landed a clean right hook on the jaw. Głowacki got up at the eight count, but he was still dazed. The referee decided to stop the fight.

source: bokser.org