NXTGEN: Lawrence Okolie does not believe Isaac Chamberlain is 'mentally ready' to face him
Thursday 31 August 2017 12:57, UK
Lawrence Okolie respects Isaac Chamberlain but he does not believe his fellow cruiserweight is "mentally ready" to take him on.
Live Nxtgen Boxing
Okolie will be in action this Friday night as he chases his fifth straight first-round knockout win when he takes on Blaise Mendouo at York Hall in the latest edition of the NXTGEN series, to be shown live on Sky Sports.
Since Okolie made his debut earlier this year, a growing rivalry has developed between him and Chamberlain and they had to be separated in June after things boiled over at a public workout.
He seems to already be making excuses, I don't think he is mentally ready to say yes.
'The Sauce' insists that he is ready to take on Chamberlain whenever he gets the go-ahead, but doubts whether his rival is of the same mind-set.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Okolie said: "As soon as I get the offer or the go-ahead, I am ready to fight Chamberlain.
"It is different to the amateur game where you just go in there and fight, you don't need build-up or anything. Now though, it's about the promoter, manager and public demand, but I'm certainly ready to go as soon as.
"Isaac says that his shoulder is still recovering and he is improving, but I don't think he particularly wants to fight right now.
"He seems to already be making excuses, I don't think he is mentally ready to say yes. If Eddie [Hearn] said to him that he would be fighting me in December, he wouldn't be ready.
"I do respect him as an athlete and a fighter, the way he trains and gives it his all is admirable, but in terms of whether he has the skillset necessary to disrupt what I do, no I doubt it."
Live coverage of the NXTGEN bill, featuring Joshua Buatsi, Lawrence Okolie, Joe Cordina and Conor Benn, will start at 7.45pm on Friday on Sky Sports Action.
