Lawrence Okolie expects to beat cruiserweight rival Issac Chamberlain in their February 3rd “British Beef” grudge match at the O2 Arena.
Speaking at a heated press conference, Hackney-born Okolie said:
“I’m happy to be sitting on the top table now and it feels good. Obviously I expect to win and continue to be on the top table.
“We’ve got friends here, south and east London, but none of that matters when it comes to February 3 – I’m putting on 10oz gloves, Isaac’s putting on 10oz gloves and we make that walk to the ring.
“It’s going to swallow him whole, but as for me, I enjoy the big occasion and stepping up to the plate. It’s then we will see if all the talk, all the social media he posts, if it’s real.
“Since the fight has been signed he’s quietened down a bit because the reality of it is all hitting him. They know they are in serious trouble come February 3. Talk is cheap but I am going to do some damage.
“What kind of a coach, training a fighter to fight, is interested in hype over performance? You guys see me as a big money fight – I see you as a good fighter and a good step up on my journey.”
Okolie and Brixton-born Chamberlain are due headline a show for the first time in their fledgling careers, and world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will be ringside as his management company looks after the 25-year-old Okolie. Okolie has six KO’s from his seven professional bouts and 23-year-old Chamberlain boasts a record of four KO’s in nine.