The boxing world will be focused on Poland this Friday night for a massive world title fight in the over 200-pound bantamweight division. Local hero and undefeated champion Lukasz Rozanski will make the first defense of his WBC bantamweight title against British challenger Lawrence Okolie.
This is shaping up to be an explosive showdown between two big punchers. Okolie will have his hands full trying to dethrone Rozanski in front of a very hostile crowd in Poland. With dynamite in both fists, don’t be surprised if this one ends quickly and dramatically.
With two undefeated fighters and a world title on the line, there is a good chance this fight will see the final bell. So, expect a battle packed with excitement from start to finish.
When and Where?
Friday, May 24, 5:00 pm ET
Ring Walks Time:
TBA
Moneyline odds:
Lukasz Rozanski 3.41
Lawrence Okolie 1.352
Where can I watch it?
DAZN and Sky Sports
Why Bet on Lukasz Rozanski?
Rozanski (15-0, 14 knockouts) won the vacant WBC belt in April 2021 with a first-round knockout over Alen Babic. The Polish knockout artist has won all but one of his fights by KO. He stands 6′ 2 “tall with an 80” reach. He is 38 years old and has an undefeated professional record.
Rozanski steadily built his record against regional competition. He picked up the WBC International Silver bridgeweight title in 2019 with a technical knockout victory over Izuagbe Ugonoh. After three more wins, Rozanski faced undefeated Croatian Alen Babic in 2023 for the vacant WBC bridgeweight belt. Despite Babic’s undefeated record, Rozanski dominated from the opening bell, scoring a brutal first-round knockout to claim the title.
Rozanski has tremendous knockout power, with 14 knockouts in 15 wins. His punching power is a major asset. Plus, fighting in front of his local Polish fans will energize Rozanski and even the home crowd support could sway the judges as well.
Why Bet on Lawrence Okolie?
Okolie (19-1, 14 KOs) is a former cruiserweight champion, who is moving up in weight to pursue this title opportunity. He stands 6′ 5“ with a reach of 82” and enters this fight with a spectacular record. The British fighter has finished 74% of his fights by KO.
He represented Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics before turning pro. He cruised through the domestic scene, winning British and Commonwealth titles in his first ten fights. In 2018, he defeated Wadi Camacho by fourth-round technical knockout. From there, he set his sights on the prestigious WBO cruiserweight belt. After defeating Yves Ngabu and Krzysztof Glowacki, Okolie accomplished his goal by knocking out Glowacki in 2021 to become the WBO champion. He went on to beat Dilan Prasovic, Michal Cieslak, and David Light, before falling in his most recent fight to Chris Billam-Smith by decision.
The Brit has excellent technical boxing, movement, and defense skills, so he can outbox any opponent. In addition, he has already won titles and fought quality opponents as a professional, and this is his second world title shot. He has proven to have a granite chin and the ability to overcome adversity in previous fights.
Final Betting Analysis: Lukasz Rozanski vs. Lawrence Okolie
Rozanski will have the home crowd behind him and has not lost as a pro, but Okolie presents a real step up in competition.
Okolie has already proven himself at the highest level by winning the WBO cruiserweight title. He has more experience against quality opponents compared to Rozanski. In addition, he also possesses speed, athleticism, and good boxing skills, so his movement and footwork could pose problems for his rival.
However, Rozanski is a big puncher, evidenced by his 86% knockout ratio. He will enjoy a height and reach advantage over Okolie. Rozanski is also the naturally bigger man, having campaigned at heavyweight for his entire career.
If Okolie can withstand Rozanski’s initial onslaught, he has the boxing ability to outbox the champion in the second half of the fight.As a result, our prediction is a win for Lawrence by TKO.
Go for a victory for the Brit at 1.352. If you bet $100 at such odds, you could get $35.2 for a total payout of $135.2.
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