Thursday 12 October 2017 13:33, UK
Isaac Chamberlain insists that he has made a name for himself in professional boxing from nothing and questions whether Lawrence Okolie could say the same.
'Chambo' will be in action this Friday night as he chases his ninth win from as many fights when he takes on Ossie Jerver at London's York Hall in the latest edition of the NXTGEN series.
With Okolie in action in two weeks' time, a collision course seems to be gathering pace between Chamberlain and the fellow Londoner, who both had to be separated after things boiled over at a public workout back in June.
Brixton's Chamberlain was then ringside for Okolie's last outing - a points decision win in September - and he still feels 'The Sauce' leaves a lot to be desired and questions the hype surrounding him.
"I just simply think that the hype is real with me," the 23-year-old began.
"I built my hype from nothing, I had to make stuff happen in the ring to get a name for myself.
"For Okolie, he has everyone else telling him that he's the real deal and has the exposure that goes with being an Olympian, that's just how it is, but is it justified?
"I went to the trenches in the worst possible way, with a dislocated shoulder, when I won my first title and I'm fortunate to have done so - Okolie needs that test.
"This is not a few three-minute rounds like in the Olympics, a real fight starts after six hard rounds when you need endurance and the wear and tear of body shots is starting to take its toll.
I see it similar to when Anthony Joshua fought Dillian Whyte, who is also from Brixton, the Olympian with the profile against an unbeaten rival, only this time it will be a different result
"He still has to come through those tough moments to show how much he really wants this because he knows that I want this badly."
Chamberlain is adamant that a grudge match will definitely happen, but is happy to let the contest build as the two fighters gain more experience in the pro game.
"I saw before that he said I wasn't mentally ready to face him, but if I can pop my own shoulder back in place during a fight, then I think I'm ready to face Okolie," 'Chambo' continued.
"If I'm honest I would like to let our fight build. I look for recognition and that will come down the line when we have both grown and improved in the sport - this could be a big arena fight.
"I see it similar to when Anthony Joshua fought Dillian Whyte, who is also from Brixton, the Olympian with the profile against an unbeaten rival, only this time it will be a different result.
"I have no doubt that eventually the fight will happen and the talking can finally stop, only then will we see if I'm 'mentally ready' to face him."
Watch NXTGEN, featuring Reece Bellotti, Craig Richards, Charlie Edwards, Natasha Jonas and more, live from York Hall, from 8.00pm, Friday, on Sky Sports Action.
