British cruiserweights Lawrence Okolie and Issac Chamberlain put pen to paper to set up 2018 fight

Undefeated British Cruiserweights Lawrence Okolie and Issac Chamberlain have put pen to paper to set up a huge domestic bout.

Head of Matchroom Frank Smith confirmed that the fight will take place on February 3rd, 2018 at the at the O2 Arena in London.

Okolie, who is managed by Anthony Joshua, has a real rags-to-riches story. The 24-year-old Hackney born puncher worked in McDonald’s just four short years ago but will now headline the 20,000 capacity O2 arena alongside the Brixton-born Chamberlain. The GB Rio Olympian picked up a sixth career KO win York Hall last week to draw his breakout year to a pleasing close.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Okolie said:

“I think it’s going to be a bloody, brutal fight.

“I said when I first turned professional I’m not here to mess about, I want to take risks and push on. Chamberlain has done a lot of talking and on February 3 we’ll see if he can back up his words.

“It’s one for the fans in a thriving domestic division. People will finally see me come out of the cage.”

Chamberlain comes in to the fight on a run of three consecutive stoppage wins, and is well remembered for beating Wadi Camacho last September for the Southern Area belt despite suffering a dislocated shoulder in the third round.

Following confirmation of the fight, Chamberlain said:

“It’s been a long time coming. I’m pleased we have finished and signed off on all the negotiations, now that is done we can focus on the fight. It’s a great fight for British boxing fans.

“Nothing has been given to me and I still have that underdog mentality – everything I want I have to go and get it, I’ve earnt my stripes.

“That’s made me a lot stronger fighter and that’s going to show on February 3. I want to knock him out. I’m going to knock him out. I’m going to train so hard, I’m going to knock him out cold.”

Okolie and Chamberlain are scheduled to meet at a press conference in the next couple of days, make sure you come back to Bad Left Hook for more news as we get it.