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      Who is Anthony Joshua’s new trainer Derrick James?

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      THE former world heavyweight champion appointed Derrick James in February following his two successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.Anthony Joshua is set to face Jermaine Franklin on April 1 at the 02 Arena.
      Derrick James, Anthony Joshua, promoter Eddie Hearn and Jermaine Franklin during a press conference at the Hilton in London
      The 33-year-old was formally trained by ex-professional boxer Robert Garcia, but that partnership only lasted for the second Usyk fight.
      AJ parted ways with long-term trainer Rob McCracken after his first defeat to Usyk.
      The Watford-born boxer is training with new coach James in Texas ahead of his crunch comeback fight with Jermaine Franklin.
      Who is Derrick James and who else does he train?
      Derrick James is a 51-year-old American boxing coach.
      READ MORE ON ANTHONY JOSHUA
      He won The Ring magazine’s Trainer of the Year award in 2017.
      James made his name in boxing as a coach to American boxers Errol Spence Jr and Jermell Charlo.
      Spence Jr is currently a unified welterweight world champion as he holds the IBF title, WBC title and WBA title.
      The 33-year-old has had an impressive 28 wins from 28 fights, with just 6 triumphs not resulting in a knockout.
      Most read in Boxing
      Elsewhere, Charlo is also a world champion, he has held the WBC middleweight title since 2019.
      The 32-year-old has had 32 fights, and 32 wins, with 22 being by way of knockout.
      What has Anthony Joshua said about Derrick James?
      Joshua has enjoyed his time so far under James but insists he doesn’t want to put any pressure on his new trainer.
      The former world heavyweight champion said: “I really do rate Derrick James as a trainer.
      “Lastly, I don’t want to put pressure on Derrick and say whatever happens in the future is down to him, good or bad.
      “It’s all on me but asides from what he does for me, I just think Derrick as a coach I really do rate him highly.”
      When is Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin?

      Joshua’s fight against Franklin will take place on Saturday, April 1.
      The event will be held at London’s O2 Arena.
      The fight will get underway at approximately 10.30pm UK time.
      The main card will begin at 6pm or 7pm GMT. More

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      ‘Boxing is a young man’s game’ – Anthony Joshua admits he’s on his last chance and career may be over with Franklin loss

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA will enter the ring this Saturday knowing it could be his last big fight.The 33-year-old lost his WBA, IBF and WBO world titles in back-to-back defeats by Oleksandr Usyk.
      Anthony Joshua knows he cannot afford to lose on SaturdayCredit: AP
      AJ was stunned by Oleksandr Usyk twiceCredit: AP
      And he has been struggling to sell out London’s O2 for a comeback against American Jermaine Franklin, 29, on Saturday — after six years of packing out stadiums.
      Joshua, working under new trainer Derrick James, needs a polished win to get back in the mix with top heavyweights like Tyson Fury.
      He agrees with promoter Eddie Hearn that this is his last chance of a rebuild.
      Joshua said: “I think Eddie’s right. Because how long can this run go on for, three or four years? And you know how quick time goes.
      READ MORE ON BOXING
      “We’re saying this now and we can look back in two years, three years, and be like f***ing hell where’s the time gone?
      “So, if I was going to do another run after this, you’re talking about fighting into my forties and I believe boxing is a young man’s sport.
      “It takes a real solid character like Bernard Hopkins, George Foreman, Wladimir Klitschko or Alexander Povetkin to go on into their forties.
      “But this is a run I want to make successful and then, hopefully, go out on top.”
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      Joshua is on his fourth trainer in three fights after decade-long mentor Rob McCracken got the axe following the first Oleksandr Usyk loss, then Angel Fernandez and Robert Garcia failed to gel.
      He admits he lost his way in trying to outfox Usyk, 36, and made mistakes in appointing two coaches to do one trainer’s job.
      He explained: “It was difficult for Garcia in that camp because he was working alongside someone and he let them be one of the lead voices.
      “Angel Fernandez brought on Garcia, he brought him on as like a main assistant, someone with more experience.
      “With Derrick James, he’s the main guy, the main voice, so that’s the difference really.
      “I’m speaking directly to Derrick. With Angel, it was like, ‘Speak with Angel, speak with Garcia, speak with Garcia, speak with Angel’.
      “I was searching for improvement, the fact that I was amateur for three years, then within those three years, you’re talking ABAs, Europeans, Worlds, Olympics.
      “Pros, British title, world title, it was always just preparing for a fight.
      “So what’s happened now, even though I was winning, I was always like ‘s***, I need to get better because I’m fighting Dillian Whyte, he puts up a bit of resistance, I fight Klitschko, he puts up resistance’.
      Credit: SUNSPORT
      🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
      “I started realising that I needed to improve as a boxer.
      “So I got on a search and I feel like this coach now is not trying to make sure everything’s perfect.
      “He’s like, ‘Just do the right things at the right time — basics, basics, basics’.
      “Do the right things at the right time and you’ll be victorious.”
      Joshua is angered by how pundits turned on him following consecutive defeats by Ukraine hero Usyk.
      But the meltdown he suffered in the Saudi Arabia ring after the Usyk rematch marked a line in the sand where he will no longer hide his emotions.
      He added: “It’s been a great run. It’s not a level where I’m expecting a certain amount of love and respect.
      When I lost, I was like, ‘F***, I’ve lost that invincibility’
      “I did want respect from people in the industry that I admire, legends in the game. And when you’re not a champion any more you feel like that goes away, so that was definitely something I was yearning for — the respect from ex-champions.
      “And — when I lost it — I was like ‘F***, I’ve lost that invincibility’.
      “It’s all good, we move forward. Obviously, on the night, that was probably not a side people see from me every day, but it is what it is, that’s what’s in me. And if you watch me long enough, you’re going to see all types of s***.”
      A new training technique in Texas will lose AJ the Green vote — but he joked old-school sessions are worth the wrath of the eco-warriors.
      He explained: “At one stage of my career I believed that strength and conditioning was a massive part of boxing.
      “Now I’m a bit wiser and I’ve gone through certain things, I understand that there’s out-of-camp conditioning and there’s in-camp conditioning.
      “I was looking at the old-school techniques, how people used to train, and chopping wood was a big part of so many fighters’ regimes.
      “It makes great Instagram content, as you’ve seen, so maybe you’ll be seeing a bit more of that, chopping wood is a great exercise.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Obviously the environmentalists aren’t too happy because we need to save our trees.
      “But — at the end of the day — I’ve got to kick someone’s a*** and that’s what matters to me.”
      Jermaine Franklin is hoping to stun AJ at the O2Credit: Romain Maurice for The US Sun More

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      ‘Don’t want to fight bin men’ – Teen heavyweight Moses Itauma calls for tougher opponents after 2 knockouts in a minute

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      MOSES ITAUMA wants tougher challenges after racing to two wins inside a minute and still feeling rubbish.The 18-year-old heavyweight’s first two pro bouts were gone in 60 seconds.
      Itauma’s first pro heavyweight bout against Bode ended in just 23 secondsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The 18-year-old made his debut in JanuaryCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      On his January bow he only needed 23 seconds and Saturday’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Telford turn ended inside 35.
      The ruthless southpaw returns on April 15 on the Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang undercard.
      And he wants to put a proper shift in as he aims to smash Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest ever heavyweight world champ.
      The deadpan teen terror said: “I am not really getting to show what I can do because my opponents are not standing up to it.
      Read More on Boxing
      “I know it’s a process and a learning curve but I want to step up to six rounders now and better opponents.
      “It’s difficult to match me, I understand that, even this guy was a late replacement for someone so I’m grateful he stepped in and kept me on the card.
      “But I don’t want to be fighting bin men.
      “I learned plenty in the amateurs, I learn every day in training and sparring, what I need now is rounds in the ring with the added pressure of a crowd and the small gloves.
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      “I’m not blaming anyone, at 18 and without any titles I am a high-risk-low-reward fight for anyone.
      “But I need my next opponent to stand up to a few more shots and even throw a few back.” More

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      Heartbroken boxer Cody Crowley weeps and dedicates win to father who took his own life in emotional post-fight interview

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      HEARTBROKEN Canadian boxer Cody Crowley fought back tears in an emotional post-fight interview.The welterweight bravely talked about his father’s suicide after beating Abel Ramos by majority decision on the undercard of David Benavidez vs Caleb Plant.
      An emotional Cody Crowley bravely spoke about his father’s suicideCredit: SHOWTIME BOXING
      Crowley fought back tears following his win over Abel Ramos on Saturday nightCredit: SHOWTIME BOXING
      Crowley, 30, admitted he had even been left wanting to take his own life.
      The win over Ramos was his first fight since his dad’s suicide nine months ago.
      And a bruised Crowley honoured his father in the ring following Saturday’s bout.
      He emotionally told Showtime: “This fight gave me something else. I worked my whole entire life for this opportunity.
      Read More In Boxing
      “The last two years I didn’t wanna live because I couldn’t get my shot.
      “Fights getting cancelled, I’ve been training since July.
      “I’ve been broke and I wanted to take my own life, and I didn’t.
      “And my dad did. And If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here today.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Cowley then paused as his voice quivered while he fought back tears.
      He continued: “Anyone who’s thinking about taking their own life, who doesn’t wanna be here, I am proof that you can keep fighting and you will win.”
      In the main event Benavidez overcame Plant by unanimous decision to earn a shot at Canelo Alvarez. More

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      ‘We fought like warriors’ – David Benavidez batters Caleb Plant, who bravely refuses to go down, to earn shot at Canelo

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      DAVID BENAVIDEZ convincingly beat super middleweight rival Caleb Plant by unanimous decision following an incredible fight in Las Vegas on Saturday night.The 26-year-old started the bout on the back foot after taking some powerful punches from his opponent during the first four rounds.
      Benavidez took on Plant in Las Vegas on SaturdayCredit: Alamy
      The ‘Mexican Monster’ won my unanimous decisionCredit: Alamy
      But as his confidence grew he was quickly able to close the gap and eventually turn the fight on it’s head.
      Benavidez pummelled his 30-year-old opponent in the latter stages to earn a clear win on the judges scorecards.
      He was unable to knock Plant down despite delivering some major blows which in turn left the American on the ropes.
      So there was no doubt that he would reign supreme once the final bell sounded.
      Read More on Boxing
      Benavidez was declared the winner by unanimous decision with scores of 115-113, 116-112, 117-111.
      And his emphatic victory saw him earn a shot at world champion Canelo Alvarez.
      In his post-fight interview, the ‘Mexican Monster’ said: “I have a lot of respect for Canelo Alvarez, but he has to give me that shot now.
      “That’s what everybody wants to see, me vs Canelo, let’s make it happen in September.”
      Most read in Boxing
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      Alvarez is currently preparing for his upcoming bout against John Ryder, which is set to take place in May.
      But he is yet to comment on a potential meeting with Benavidez.
      Plant was gracious in defeat as he complimented Benavidez after the fight.
      He said: “David’s a hell of a fighter. It’s a big rivalry, but we got in here and settled it like men.
      “I’ve got in there and I’ve rumbled with the best in the world; I haven’t ducked anybody.
      “There’s no excuse. David was the better man tonight.” More

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      I’m gonna trash talk ‘p***y’ Anthony Joshua and tell him his mum hits harder… but not until we get in the ring

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA will be hit with a barrage of ABUSE in Saturday’s comeback fight.For US opponent Jermaine Franklin vowed to pummel Britain’s dethroned world heavyweight champ with a combination of trash-talking taunts during their clash at London’s O2.
      Anthony Joshua returns to the ring on April 1 with a showdown against Jermaine FranklinCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Joshua, 33, is desperate to reignite his career following damaging double defeats to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, who took his WBA, WBO and IBF belts.
      But Franklin, 29, insists he will come out swinging with all the verbals and mock “p***y” Joshua once the bell goes.
      Michigan heavyweight Franklin, who has a record of 21 wins, one loss and no draws, visited SunSport’s London HQ to reveal his fight plan.
      He admitted: “I talk trash in the ring but not before the fight.
      Read More in Boxing
      “In the ring I might call him soft, or a p***y, I start my talk in the ring.
      “Outside the ring I might not say much, but inside you might hear me tell him: ‘Your momma hits harder than you’.
      “Trash talk outside the ring is not my persona, I do it in the ring, during the fight, in the clinches.
      “I want to frustrate my opponent in the ring. I’m probably too silly to trash talk outside of it, I will make myself laugh and not be able to stop giggling.
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      “But my switch flicks in the ring and I get more ruthless.
      “In my Dillian Whyte fight in November I called him weak. One time he hit me and I told him: ‘You’re too soft’.”
      Franklin suffered a controversial points loss to Whyte in that fight.
      But he has also spent a fortnight sparring with Britain’s undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury at his Morecambe home.
      The American learned loads from the 34-year-old Gypsy King but will happily go to war with him — as he showed by chinning his cut-out in our office.
      Franklin chinned a cutout of Fury in SunSport’s officeCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      Franklin explained: “Morecambe was nice but it is in the middle of nowhere.
      “It’s a small town and everybody there knows Tyson and looks out for him.
      “The first day we were there, people running restaurants and stores were picking up on our looks and accents and asking us what we were doing in the area. We told them we were training with Tyson.
      “But someone must have called Tyson and told him, because the next second he pulled up in his car to check that everything was OK!
      “I thought ‘wow’, I had no idea he was so involved in the community, he is loved up there.
      “I learned a lot but I want to fight all the best guys, so if Tyson wants it, he can get it.”
      And father-of-three Franklin, who has a wonderful background story of being brought up by two powerful grandmothers, will help his Saginaw community in Michigan with Saturday’s purse.
      And he reckons that Joshua was bluffing when he said his comeback — after back-to-back world title losses to Usyk in 2021 and 2022 — was just about boosting his bank balance.
      He said: “That was just a deflection or a mental tactic.
      “To make out like he doesn’t really care about this fight.
      “He is with a big promoter and he reigned as a champion for about ten years so he doesn’t need money — there’s no way he’s broke.
      “He might want people to think he doesn’t care, but I could have said I was only fighting for the money, to catch him off guard.
      “Anyone can bluff like that.”
      Franklin will insult and assault AJ for every moment of their London showdown.
      But he claims the London 2012 golden boy has got unfair stick after his empire crumbled over two legs against the Ukraine ace.
      He explained: “I love the sport so — until someone can show me that AJ is finished — I will not question him, he has done too much.
      “As a fighter, I cannot just turn on him when he is an Olympic gold medal winner who reigned as a world champion for a long time.
      “I take points off Joshua for losing to Usyk twice, because he was only a cruiserweight who moved up.
      “But if Usyk never loses then AJ’s stock goes up.
      “However, if Usyk gets beat in his next fight, then it will look bad on AJ.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We jump the gun too much in this sport. It’s not like basketball or soccer, where once you are great, you are great.
      “He is great, but I hope to be greater.” More

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      Lawrence Okolie vs David Light LIVE RESULT: The Sauce retains WBO cruiserweight title – reaction

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      LAWRENCE OKOLIE has retained his WBO cruiserweight title against David Light after winning on points.The Sauce failed to knock out the challenger but was in control throughout the whole fight.
      David Light stood up well after being on the end of a few big right hands from the champion.
      The fight wasn’t exactly one to remember, but nevertheless, Okolie did the job and retained his world title.
      It was the champion’s first fight in over a year, so you can expect him not to be fighting at his peak.
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      Okolie on next fight
      “I will go in the ring and fight anyone,” Okolie said.
      “If they’re watching this and they think ‘Lawrence is rubbish, I can do this, I can do that’, come and find out.
      “I’ll put it on the line against anyone and if they’re good enough to beat me, they are, and if not I carry on winning.”
      OKOLIE REACTION
      Okolie rated his performance as: “Probably like a 5/6.
      “I couldn’t get the last shot to drop him.”
      On his next opponent, he said: “I’ll put it on the line against anyone.”
      OKOLIE WINS
      The sauce retains his world title after winning on points!
      David Light stood up well and took some big punches from the champion.
      But he failed to come up with any combinations of his own on the night.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R12
      David Light has come through some big hits from Okolie and remained standing after twelve rounds.
      The champion will not have a KO in the AO Arena in Manchester.
      That said, he will retain his WBO cruiserweight title.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R11
      Light has to go for the KO now as we enter the penultimate round.
      Both fighters breathing heavily as we near the final round.
      Okolie has been deducted a point from the referee during round 10.
      The champion hits Light with a HUGE right hand at the end of the round, but credit to the challenger, he stays on his feet.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R10
      The champion is starting to get some joy as he lands multiple punches to the head of David Light.
      Light wobbles but managed to keep his hands up.
      Okolie not holding out for points here. He wants the KO.
      Round 10 was the most action-packed so far in the main event.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R9
      David Light has lost every round so far.
      The challenger needs a knockout to become champion.
      Light is starting to be more aggressive yet he is still wild with his punches.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R8
      The fight has become very scrappy the in the last few rounds.
      Both fighters starting to feel the effects after 8 rounds.
      Okolie starting to look predictable, but may just look to see it out as he is firmly in front on the scorecards.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R7
      Okolie trying to find a way to throw a right hand at David Light.
      Referee Bob Williams has had a word with both fighters after some scrappy clinches.
      The champion is still in control of the fight.
      7-0
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R6
      The midway point of the fight now.
      Nothing major to comment on as of yet…
      Okolie, however, is in the driving seat and is in pole position to retain his title.
      A few quick jabs to the head of the champion from Light as he looks to make his mark on the fight.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R5
      Neither fighter showing any signs of weakness as we enter round 5.
      Okolie is still in firm control of the fight as we near the halfway point.
      The champion is starting to throw some nice right-hands at Light now.
      5-0 Okolie. Light will need a KO or some knockdowns to become champion here.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R4
      Sky commentators calling for Okolie to be more authoritative with his jab.
      Still a quiet start after four rounds here at the AO Arena.
      David Light continues to close the distance between him and the champion.
      That said, Okolie is still in control and is 4-0 up.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R3
      Okolie’s trainer SugarHill Steward wants him to focus on the body.
      Light starting to be more aggressive at closing the distance.
      The champion still bossing things in the ring.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R2
      Light struggling to get inside the champion.
      Okolie keeps his distance and uses his jab at range.
      A patient start from both fighters.
      2-0 to the champion.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R1
      And there goes the bell, and we are underway!
      Okolie starts brightly in this WBO cruiserweight title bout.
      A few early jabs to the body of Light from the champion.
      The challenger just looking to close the distance.
      Lawrence Okolie walks out!
      The Champion walks out to a noisy AO Arena.
      He returns to Manchester, the place where it all started for him.
      Okolie looks relaxed and ready to defend his title!
      David Light walks out!
      The challenger is currently completing his ring walk at the AO Arena in Manchester.
      Light looks relaxed as he eyes the WBO cruiserweight title.
      But will he be able to get past current champion Lawrence Okolie?
      Main card results so far tonight

      Frazer Clarke def Bogdan Dinu
      Michael Gomez Jnr (c) def Levi Giles
      Karriss Artingstall def Linzi Buczynskyj
      Callum Simpson def Celso Neves

      CAIN UNABLE
      Over in Telford, rising Liverpool fighter Andrew Cain has suffered a shock upset loss.
      Ionut Baluta dropped the prospect, broke his nose and won a split decision.
      The Romanian winner was decked twice in the very first round but rallied brilliantly to win with cards of 91-96, 95-92 & 94-93.
      MCRIBBED
      Clarke says: “I want to thank Bogdan for saving the show, I am sorry about his ribs but I hope he enjoys Manchester with his wife and son.
      “I hope to be back out in Birmingham in May.
      BIG FRAZE
      The Team GB ace looks disappointed after a very easy night’s work.
      Dinu did look keen in the first couple of rounds but he snatched the easy way out.
      There’s no obvious injury but he put his sparkly waistcoat on a little gingerly.
      CLARKE WINS
      Dinu refuses to get off his stool for the third round and retires.
      Can’t see what Dinu has injured but it’s a disappointing end.
      Clarke gets his cut looked at while Dinu walks about, looking for his pay cheque probably.
      CLARKE VS DINU R2
      Clarke scythes at Dinu’s ribs then drives an uppercut into his guard.
      Clarke cracks a right hand into Dinu’s ear and then goes downstairs to his body.
      A stiff right hand hurts Dinu right on the bell too.
      CLARKE VS DINU R1
      Clarke starts brightly with a couple of lead left hooks.
      Dinu complains abut early rabbit punches.
      Clarke suffers a little cut on his forehead after a clash of heads.
      1-0 to the Englishman.
      BOGGED DOWN TO DANCE
      Bogdan Dinu was a last-minute replacement opponent for Frazer Clarke.
      American veteran Rydell Booker never made it over after falling ill.
      Dinu is not expected to offer much and the Team GB Olympian will be looking for an impressive KO.
      Strong beard game from Dinu and old-school chest hair.
      Load more entries… More

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      Lawrence Okolie vs David Light LIVE RESULT: The HUGE cruiserweight title bout is underway – TV, stream, ring-walk time

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      LAWRENCE OKOLIE is defending his WBO cruiserweight title against the unbeaten David Light RIGHT NOW!We are in the final round of this world title bout it’s looking like the champion will retain his title.
      Michael Gomez Jnr beats Levi Giles on points to claim the vacant English super-feather title.

      Main event ring-walk time: 10pm UK time.
      TV Channel: Sky Sports Action from 7pm/ Sky Sports Main Event from 8pm.
      Live stream: NOW.
      Venue: AO Arena, Manchester.

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      OKOLIE WINS
      The sauce retains his world title after winning on points!
      David Light stood up well and took some big punches from the champion.
      But he failed to come up with any combinations of his own on the night.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R12
      David Light has come through some big hits from Okolie and remained standing after twelve rounds.
      The champion will not have a KO in the AO Arena in Manchester.
      That said, he will retain his WBO cruiserweight title.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R11
      Light has to go for the KO now as we enter the penultimate round.
      Both fighters breathing heavily as we near the final round.
      Okolie has been deducted a point from the referee during round 10.
      The champion hits Light with a HUGE right hand at the end of the round, but credit to the challenger, he stays on his feet.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R10
      The champion is starting to get some joy as he lands multiple punches to the head of David Light.
      Light wobbles but managed to keep his hands up.
      Okolie not holding out for points here. He wants the KO.
      Round 10 was the most action-packed so far in the main event.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R9
      David Light has lost every round so far.
      The challenger needs a knockout to become champion.
      Light is starting to be more aggressive yet he is still wild with his punches.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R8
      The fight has become very scrappy the in the last few rounds.
      Both fighters starting to feel the effects after 8 rounds.
      Okolie starting to look predictable, but may just look to see it out as he is firmly in front on the scorecards.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R7
      Okolie trying to find a way to throw a right hand at David Light.
      Referee Bob Williams has had a word with both fighters after some scrappy clinches.
      The champion is still in control of the fight.
      7-0
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R6
      The midway point of the fight now.
      Nothing major to comment on as of yet…
      Okolie, however, is in the driving seat and is in pole position to retain his title.
      A few quick jabs to the head of the champion from Light as he looks to make his mark on the fight.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R5
      Neither fighter showing any signs of weakness as we enter round 5.
      Okolie is still in firm control of the fight as we near the halfway point.
      The champion is starting to throw some nice right-hands at Light now.
      5-0 Okolie. Light will need a KO or some knockdowns to become champion here.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R4
      Sky commentators calling for Okolie to be more authoritative with his jab.
      Still a quiet start after four rounds here at the AO Arena.
      David Light continues to close the distance between him and the champion.
      That said, Okolie is still in control and is 4-0 up.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R3
      Okolie’s trainer SugarHill Steward wants him to focus on the body.
      Light starting to be more aggressive at closing the distance.
      The champion still bossing things in the ring.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R2
      Light struggling to get inside the champion.
      Okolie keeps his distance and uses his jab at range.
      A patient start from both fighters.
      2-0 to the champion.
      OKOLIE VS LIGHT R1
      And there goes the bell, and we are underway!
      Okolie starts brightly in this WBO cruiserweight title bout.
      A few early jabs to the body of Light from the champion.
      The challenger just looking to close the distance.
      Lawrence Okolie walks out!
      The Champion walks out to a noisy AO Arena.
      He returns to Manchester, the place where it all started for him.
      Okolie looks relaxed and ready to defend his title!
      David Light walks out!
      The challenger is currently completing his ring walk at the AO Arena in Manchester.
      Light looks relaxed as he eyes the WBO cruiserweight title.
      But will he be able to get past current champion Lawrence Okolie?
      Main card results so far tonight

      Frazer Clarke def Bogdan Dinu
      Michael Gomez Jnr (c) def Levi Giles
      Karriss Artingstall def Linzi Buczynskyj
      Callum Simpson def Celso Neves

      CAIN UNABLE
      Over in Telford, rising Liverpool fighter Andrew Cain has suffered a shock upset loss.
      Ionut Baluta dropped the prospect, broke his nose and won a split decision.
      The Romanian winner was decked twice in the very first round but rallied brilliantly to win with cards of 91-96, 95-92 & 94-93.
      MCRIBBED
      Clarke says: “I want to thank Bogdan for saving the show, I am sorry about his ribs but I hope he enjoys Manchester with his wife and son.
      “I hope to be back out in Birmingham in May.
      BIG FRAZE
      The Team GB ace looks disappointed after a very easy night’s work.
      Dinu did look keen in the first couple of rounds but he snatched the easy way out.
      There’s no obvious injury but he put his sparkly waistcoat on a little gingerly.
      CLARKE WINS
      Dinu refuses to get off his stool for the third round and retires.
      Can’t see what Dinu has injured but it’s a disappointing end.
      Clarke gets his cut looked at while Dinu walks about, looking for his pay cheque probably.
      CLARKE VS DINU R2
      Clarke scythes at Dinu’s ribs then drives an uppercut into his guard.
      Clarke cracks a right hand into Dinu’s ear and then goes downstairs to his body.
      A stiff right hand hurts Dinu right on the bell too.
      CLARKE VS DINU R1
      Clarke starts brightly with a couple of lead left hooks.
      Dinu complains abut early rabbit punches.
      Clarke suffers a little cut on his forehead after a clash of heads.
      1-0 to the Englishman.
      BOGGED DOWN TO DANCE
      Bogdan Dinu was a last-minute replacement opponent for Frazer Clarke.
      American veteran Rydell Booker never made it over after falling ill.
      Dinu is not expected to offer much and the Team GB Olympian will be looking for an impressive KO.
      Strong beard game from Dinu and old-school chest hair.
      LEVI WANTS RETURN
      Gutted Giles felt he won the fight and hopes for a rematch.
      The deflated super-feather said: “I did think I did enough tonight, but hopefully we’ll do it again somewhere down the line for a bigger title.”
      GOMEZ JR CELEBRATES
      He said: “I lost the first three rounds because I was coasting but then I came on stronger and felt I did enough to nick it.
      “I want to thank Levi for a great fight and also apologise for the push at Friday’s weigh-in.
      “I just knew I had to get inside his head and drag him into my sort of fight. So I apologies for that.”
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