
Leigh Wood and Chris Billam-Smith win world titles with victories over familiar foes
Leigh Wood and Chris Billam-Smith enjoyed successful evenings against familiar foes on Saturday, winning world titles in their respective fights. Wood avenged a knockout loss to Mauricio Lara by outpointing the Mexican in Manchester, regaining the WBA featherweight title that he lost in the pair’s first clash. Meanwhile, Billam-Smith was a decision victor over former sparring partner Lawrence Okolie, winning the WBO cruiserweight title at the stadium that is home to his beloved AFC Bournemouth. Wood, 34, was fighting in his hometown of Nottingham when he lost the WBA featherweight belt to Lara in February, as the Mexican won with a controversial TKO in Round 7. However, Lara was stripped of the title on Friday (26 May) after failing to make weight for his rematch with Wood, who was the only fighter eligible to win the gold in Saturday’s main event. And Wood, who was leading his first fight with Lara at the time of the stoppage, got out ahead of the 25-year-old again in Manchester. This time, though, the Briton was able to stay composed throughout, earning a unanimous-decision win (118-109, 118-109, 116-111). Meanwhile, at Vitality Stadium – home to Premier League club Bournemouth – Billam-Smith won a scrappy majority decision against Okolie to claim his first world title. Billam-Smith, in front of a raucous home crowd, knocked down his ex-sparring partner three times, while Okolie also had two points docked for excessive holding. It all led to scorecards of 112-112, 116-107, 115-108 in favour of Billam-Smith. “The Gentleman” then dedicated the win to his mother, who is suffering from breast cancer, and his son, who turned one year old on Friday. Elsewhere, Michael Conlan did not have such a happy homecoming. The Northern Irishman, fighting in his hometown of Belfast, was stopped by Luis Alberto Lopez in the fifth round. Mexican Lopez dropped Conlan with a vicious uppercut, and the towel came in as Conlan struggled to find his bearings. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Mauricio Lara stripped of title before Leigh Wood rematch amid weigh-in drama Wood vs Lara LIVE: Latest boxing fight updates and results What time does Wood vs Lara start in UK and US this weekend?
2023-05-28 07:28

Mitch Haniger, Logan Webb pace Giants past Brewers 3-1
Mitch Haniger hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning and Logan Webb allowed one run over seven innings to pace the San Francisco Giants to a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers
2023-05-28 07:28

Pereira has hot finish at Trump National, leads LIV Golf DC
Mito Pereira has a one-shot lead going into the final round of the LIV Golf event at Trump National DC
2023-05-28 07:26

Peña homers in return to Astros lineup, Houston beats struggling Oakland 6-3
Astros’ shortstop Jeremy Peña hit a two-run home run in his first at-bat since getting a planned day off, backing another solid outing from Framber Valdez as Houston sent the tumbling Oakland Athletics to their 10th consecutive loss with a 6-3 win
2023-05-28 07:22

Crouser world record, Richardson no-show at LA meet
Olympic and world shot put champion Ryan Crouser produced a sensational performance to obliterate his own world record at the Los...
2023-05-28 07:22

Wheeler strikes out 12 as Philadelphia Phillies top Atlanta Braves 2-1
Zack Wheeler struck out 12 in eight shutout innings, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat Charlie Morton and the Atlanta Braves 2-1
2023-05-28 07:22

Heaney pitches 7 solid innings to help streaking Rangers beat Orioles 5-3
Andrew Heaney pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, Marcus Semien extended his hitting streak to 16 games with a pivotal two-run single and the Texas Rangers beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-3
2023-05-28 07:21

Schnek, Hall tied for Colonial lead after 3 rounds as both seek 1st PGA Tour win
Adam Schenk closed out a 3-under 67 with a 16-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to match PGA Tour rookie Harry Hall for the lead at 10 under after three rounds at the Colonial
2023-05-28 06:58

Aaron Boone laughs in face of MLB ejections: “I’m not gonna change”
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone was suspended one game for his conduct toward umpires and said he's not going to change.New York Yankees fans may question Aaron Boone's managerial skills, but what they can't deny is that he knows how to give umpires the business and get throw...
2023-05-28 06:57

Bowman looking to pick up where he left off at Coca-Cola 600 following back injury
NASCAR drivers have long considered the Coca-Cola 600 the most grueling race on the schedule
2023-05-28 06:57

England's Hall clings to share of lead with Schenk at Colonial
England's Harry Hall sank clutch putts from about 10 feet on the last two holes to share the lead after Saturday's third round of the...
2023-05-28 06:54

Brazil tops Group D at Under-20 World Cup; Italy, Nigeria also advance
Brazil scored two goals late in the first half to beat Nigeria 2-0 and finish top of Group D at the Under-20 World Cup
2023-05-28 06:54
You Might Like...

Messi is a doubtful starter for Argentina's World Cup qualifying game in Bolivia

Tyler Matzek fires back at Pete Alonso, Mets after Braves retake lead

Fans cheer German basketball team's return home after winning World Cup title

Griner, Mercury set to tip off WNBA season after her return from detainment in Russia

NCAA approves smaller transfer portal windows for football, basketball from 60 to 45 days

No. 24 Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt is sidelined vs. No. 20 Ole Miss. Kai Horton starts

Alcaraz holds off Hurkacz to reach Cincinnati ATP final

No swing, no problem as Shaheen goes to number one