Isaac Chamberlain targets Chris Billam-Smith rematch for world title

Budding British cruiserweight Isaac Chamberlain is seeking revenge on his British rival now world champion Chris Billam-Smith but first turns his attention to British champion Mikael Lawal. The pair act as chief support to another all-London clash of Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez on Oct 21 at the O2 Arena, live on Sky Sports.

By Rhys Lawrence

Isaac Chamberlain (right) battles Mikael Lawal for the British title on October 21, live on Sky Sports

Isaac Chamberlain was initially set to face off with Mikael Lawal back in May on the undercard to Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith. However, the British champion Lawal was forced to withdraw for undisclosed medical reasons. Although disappointed at the time, Chamberlain regains the opportunity to become British champion.

“It’s frustrating (that the fight was postponed) but I’m the type of person that deals with things as they come. I think it’s not what happens but how you react to it. All I can do is remain the professional I am, keep training and know the opportunity will come again.”

“I think it’s (Chamberlain vs Lawal) even better now. I’m getting paid more money. It’s going to be on a bigger show and it’s in London as well.”

Fresh off his bounce back win earlier this summer Isaac Chamberlain has his first chance at the British cruiserweight title. He draws the tough assignment of Lawal who’s undefeated in seventeen pro bouts. Chamberlain goes in the favourite and is being tipped to give Lawal his first professional loss. Isaac however knows it won’t be so straight-forward.

“I’m focused on Lawal. He’s a very dangerous fighter with power in both hands. He is no walk over. I have to take this very seriously. I have to be on point, sharp and take my time waiting for the right opportunities.”

Although cautious of his opponent, Chamberlain’s confidence is not lacking. When speaking with Sky Sports, Chamberlain mentioned a vision of how he sees the fight going. When asked how the vision ended, Isaac was very clear.

“I’m going to knock him out.”

“You’re British champion (Mikael Lawal). You’re going to have start fighting top opposition. Unfortunately (for him) that starts with me.”

Isaac Chamberlain details how he beats Mikael Lawal when speaking with Sky Sports

With the confidence in his skillset and matchup in hand, opportunity beckons for Chamberlain on Oct 21. Potentially the first of many major belts for him in the cruiserweight division, Chamberlain describes what it would feel like to have his first wrapped around his waist.

“It would mean a lot. A whole lot to me and a whole lot to my family. They’re (Boxxer via the Commonwealth Boxing Council) trying to put the commonwealth title (on the line) too. I just can’t wait.”

Hopeful to reach the pinnacle of British boxing before entering the world stage, Isaac Chamberlain is closing in on his chance. Rather than delivering the typical trash-talk promo to his opponent, Chamberlain wished Lawal the best in the build-up to their fight bearing in mind what happened first time around in May.

“Have a great camp (Mikael Lawal) and may we both come out (of our camps) healthy. May the best man win. See you in October.”

Isaac Chamberlain has his sights set on Mikael Lawal for now but the bigger picture for him is getting a second crack at WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith. It was July of last year the Brits squared off with Chris picking up the victory via unanimous decision. Since then, Billam-Smith became world champion by taking down a tricky Lawrence Okolie.

“It was an amazing performance from Chris (against Lawrence Okolie) and now I think a lot of people want to see me and Chris fight again. You seen the way shots that were putting Lawrence down were bouncing off me. That fight will be on the horizon soon.”

“Hopefully I can win a world title and then make a massive unification fight (against Chris Billam-Smith) on Sky Sports box office.”

Look back at Chamberlain's thrilling battle with Billam-Smith

Am ambitious mindset from one of many top British cruiserweights who believes the likes of himself, Chris Billam-Smith, Richard Riakporhe, and former champion Lawrence Okolie could dominate the cruiserweight division for years to come.

Undefeated former British cruiserweight champion Richard Riakporhe may beat his long-time friend and training partner Isaac Chamberlain to that world title shot. Riakporhe is locked in as the next mandatory challenger for Jai Opetaia’s IBF world title. Chamberlain is convinced Riakporhe can get the job done. He told Sky Sports.

“I think he (Richard Riakporhe) has a very good chance (of defeating Jai Opetaia). All he has to do is catch him and hurt him. He’s a good finisher (from there on.)

“Me and Richard go way back. We trained in the amateur days together at Miguels Boxing Gym (in south London).”

For the two prospects in Chamberlain and Riakphore, it seems their futures are clear. But for former champion Lawrence Okolie, the path back to the title seems a little foggy, Chamberlain believes.

“Lawrence is in a tricky situation because if he loses again...what’s going to happen? No one is going to (want to) fight him (due to his fighting style.) People are only fighting him because he had the belt. Now they’re going to price themselves out, so it’s very difficult (for him.)”

Isaac Chamberlain is right in the mix of this cruiserweight division as are many of his fellow Brits. Chamberlain believes in the next few fights, not years, you could see multiple British world champions. Strong words from a man that seems to relishing in the moment and is exactly where he wants to be.

“I’m enjoying my boxing. I want to be in big fights. I want to be in exciting fights. I want to be able to look back (when I retire) and be like…I was part of big fights and shows.”