Mikael Lawal on a mission to end Isaac Chamberlain’s ‘clown’ show
Mikael Lawal has warned Isaac Chamberlain to forget the “clown stuff” and get ready for “fireworks” when the first bell rings for their British cruiserweight title fight.
The bitter rivals will headline the historic York Hall on Saturday evening as the war of words ends and the bell tolls Air sports.
“When it comes to him, it’s nothing personal,” said British champion Lawal.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Chamberlain and Lawal react after finding out they will top the bill at York Hall following Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez’s postponement
“I think from the beginning there were certain things that happened and I took it personally.
“It’s just business, that’s the way I’m trying to look at it going forward.
“All that talking, all that clown stuff doesn’t really work for me; all that matters to me is what happens on Saturday night.
“It’s going to be fireworks. I’m going to win anyway, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Chamberlain explains his ‘beef’ with Lawal ahead of their British cruiserweight clash
The pair found themselves in the lead after Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez’s fight was put on ice due to an Azeez injury.
But Lawal says he’s excited to showcase his skills in a fight worthy of headlines.
“I’m excited. Personally, I think this makes sense. There’s a reason why this is happening. It’s unfortunate,” Lawal said.
“But I’m looking forward to showing what I’ve learned in the gym.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Lawal says he is not bothered by opponent Chamberlain’s mind games
“This is absolutely front-page news. This is a fight that has been going on for some time.
“We were clearly supposed to have a fight, but that never happened.
But now it’s happening and a lot of people want to see this fight. I want to see this fight so I can’t wait for it to happen.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Lawal and Chamberlain had a lot to say to each other during a tense press conference ahead of their fight
“I think in boxing you have to adapt to every situation, so I’m used to that. So no extra pressure at all.”
Lawal won the British title against David Jamieson in November 2022 and is using the belt as motivation.
“Definitely, it’s coming home with me,” he said. “It shows all the hard work I’ve put into it.
“I’ve kept it open (in the house) so it keeps me motivated.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The dislike between Lawal and Chamberlain hasn’t gone away since their first fight was postponed!
“I wasn’t in the best place mentally when I won, but now I look back and I can actually be proud of it because at the end of the day I’m in the history books.”
Watch Isaac Chamberlain and Mikael Lawal battle for the British Cruiserweight Championship live on Sky Sports.