Oakey gets closure with fitting final chapter

The Leigh Park Warrior rolled back the years as he dominated American star, Jeff Lacy, on the way to victory on Saturday in Bristol.

Oakey came out of retirement and saw the former world champion and Olympic medallist retire on his stool after controlling the contest over five rounds.

The 40-year-old admitted he was looking for ‘closure’ six years on from a disappointing defeat in his final pro contest.

Now Portsmouth’s most renowned boxer has a fitting ending to his career.

Oakey said: ‘I couldn’t have asked for a better way to hang my gloves up for good.

‘I won every round and everything worked perfectly.

‘My jab was spot on and there was even some of the old Oakey rough stuff. That’s how I roll!

‘I think he may have underestimated me, but Jeff Lacy was such a gentleman.

‘I’m such a fan of his, but I always told him he’s in for a fight. That’s how it was.

‘I set a real fast pace, but I could have kept it up for 20 rounds with the shape I got myself in.

‘That’s testament to my training. I dedicated myself to it and it paid off.

‘He’s strong and when he landed they hurt.

‘But he landed a really good left hook and I just smiled at him. I think that dispirited him.

‘He was injured but he was losing the fight.

‘I’m totally content now. I’ve got closure with this and can move on to the next stage of my life.’

Oakey spoke of his satisfaction after he served up a performance which delighted the hundreds of fight fans who turned out to watch the contest.

But he vowed the Lacy meeting will undoubtedly be the last time he steps into the ring.

Oakey felt there couldn’t be a more satisfying way to round things of.

He said: ‘I’ve got a totally content feeling. There is not one aspect I can moan about.

‘Everyone who made the trip from sponsors, family and fans had nothing bad to say.

‘I’m having a break this week and then come back to normality.

‘I’ve totally dedicated myself to this for 16 weeks.

‘I had a point to prove to myself and a lot of people. I think I’ve gone and done that.

‘I’ve got to thank everyone for coming along and making it a lovely occasion.

‘All the people who helped me have got their reward out of it.

‘I was never happy with how I retired. So an old boy is now very happy.

‘You won’t better that for an ending. I’ve done what I needed to do. I will never box again.’