CHRIS Billam-Smith’s date with destiny ended in a dream finale, crowned world champion after victory over previously unbeaten Lawrence Okolie.

After 12 rounds, in which Billam-Smith knocked his former gym-mate down three times and survived some huge hits, the Bournemouth man wowed the near 15,000-strong Vitality Stadium crowd.

Okolie was deducted three points by referee Marcus McDonnell throughout the fight for holding and pushing.

Two judges comprehensively declared Billam-Smith the winner, with the third calling it level.

Within seconds, Okolie set the tone, holding on to Billam-Smith.

The former Olympian also landed some shots in between the frustrations, which left trainer Shane McGuigan slamming the canvas.

A clean right hand to the side of Billam-Smith’s temple was the best Okolie threw at this opponent in the early rounds, before the Londoner was sent to the floor in round four.

A huge left hand to the jaw send Okolie falling, before the champion was then deducted his first point for holding in round five.

The warnings kept coming, although Billam-Smith was given a wobble after being caught, both men having cuts to their left eye by the end of round five.

Another point was taken off for holding and pushing into the ropes in round seven. Okolie knocked out Billam-Smith’s gumshield with a strong right hand on the bell in the following round.

The final explosive rounds saw Billam-Smith somehow avoid going to the floor.

Okolie himself was knocked to his knees again after good work on the inside from Billam-Smith, before a swinging right hand connected with the head of the hometown hero, but he remained standing.

Billam-Smith’s left eye was bust open again with Okolie on top, until being sent to his knees for a thir time, just before the bell in round 11.

Both men slogged it out for three more minutes, before history was made and Bournemouth had its world champion.

Billam-Smith, a lifelong Cherries fan, burst into tears when the result was announced, dropping to the canvas.