Kiwi boxer David Light will get his shot at a world title, with the WBO ordering a mandatory challenge for the cruiserweight against reigning champion Lawrence Okolie.
Light earned his opportunity at Okolie over the weekend after an action-packed 10 rounds against American Brandon Glanton on his way to a split-decision win. It was a nervy wait for the two boxers as the judges’ scores were read out, particularly for Light who was ruled to have been knocked down after what appeared to be a slip in the final round. However, he was awarded the win 97-92, 95-94, 94-95.
While the win over WBO No 7 ranked Glanton did not improve Light’s No 6 ranking with the organisation, it did establish him as the mandatory title challenger.
That has come to the fighter from Auckland’s Peach Boxing stable at an ideal time, with Okolie overdue to defend his title, having last fought over nine months ago. In the WBO, world champions must defend their titles every nine months, with the exception of heavyweight where that period is extended to 12 months.