Okolie vs Chamberlain: Mikael Lawal on life in camp with Lawrence Okolie and Isaac Chamberlain

Mikael Lawal has been up, close and personal with both 'British Beef' fighters, so the Shepherd's Bush cruiserweight lifts the lid on working with Lawrence Okolie and Isaac Chamberlain...

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We know you have been out in Kiev with Chamberlain, but you know both of them well?

I've sparred with Lawrence before, I can't remember exactly, five or six months ago. He is a big puncher and he's quite awkward, too. I suppose he's fast on his feet which people might not think. And the big thing I remember was that sparring him was anything but relaxing.

How was it working with Usyk?

It was a great experience and I picked up a lot of knowledge from it. The sparring was hard, too. I learnt a lot, but especially the hard way. I just sparred Usyk. He's not just an experienced world-class fighter but he's a southpaw too as well, so it was intense.

It wasn't easy. Every time I was going in to spar, I was having to think, make up a bit of a gameplan and that was just for sparring. I couldn't imagine actually fighting him. It was good.

You've sparred with Chamberlain before and worked with him recently, has anything changed?

I'm not saying it wasn't good before, but it just looks like fitness is much better. I also guess he's learned a few different techniques. The last time I worked with him wasn't long ago and three months isn't enough time to make drastic changes but he is just 'better' than last time, if that makes sense.

So what is the big difference between them?

One thing I would say is Isaac is far more laid-back. Maybe it's just my perception of him and it can work for you in boxing and it can also mess you up. Okolie is active. He seemed fired up, always wanting to do something, get it all going.

Are they both the same out of the ring as they are in it?

I don't really have bants with either of them very much - especially when I am about to spar. There is a big difference then. He is pretty relaxed.

But when I was out in Kiev and went out running with Isaac, I got to know him a bit better. I guess for that he is the funnier of the two, kind of chilled in the gym. When Ted starts shouting it can get a little intense but apart from that he is relaxed.

Which one gave you the best spars?

I don't want to say too much but I will say there are different sides to both of them. But both of them were good spars that I learned a lot from. One thing I will say about Isaac that did it for me, was the skill-set. The other side with Okolie is, he can brawl and he's a good brawler, too.

If there was one piece of advice you would give Okolie?

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I think, for me, everyone he's fought so far haven't looked good compared to Chamberlain is. I would like to see Okolie take his time a bit more. If he does get in too quickly and too close, he's got to get out of there if he tries to tangle him up, just spin him off and get out.

And what about Chamberlain?

With Chamberlain, throw some combinations, then just step back and throw that right - which is his favourite punch. That's what Chamberlain has got to do. Just stay relaxed, keep it simple.

Prediction

I think if this goes the distance, then Chamberlain's got it. If Okolie lands that big right he's got it and can change the whole aspect of the fight. It could go either way.

For me, I don't really want to take sides, but I just don't see Isaac getting caught with a big shot, if you know what I mean. If I really had to put my money down, I would put it on Chamberlain, because of that experience. There's a big difference between them on that.

Of course, I can say all this but when it comes to the night, we will see who is the better man.

Watch Lawrence Okolie vs Isaac Chamberlain, from The O2, London, Saturday, February 3, live on Sky Sports Main Event & Action.