Isaac Chamberlain concedes that he simply “wasn’t himself” when he finally met Lawrence Okolie in the ring at The O2 last Saturday night.
The Brixton favourite was comprehensively beaten by his London rival, falling to a unanimous points decision loss, hitting the canvas twice.
Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after the cruiserweight contest, the 23-year-old reveals where he felt the fight was lost.
“Honestly, it was just different in there,” Chamberlain began, “I wasn’t 100% and wasn’t myself in there, I’m not sure what happened.
“He was holding a lot and making it messy. When it sometimes looked like I was holding, the ref took a point of me straight away. He was holding for most of the fight and nothing was said.
“It was clearly a messy contest and once I had the point off I was on the back foot. I did want to let my hands go but he was like an octopus when holding me. He throws, doesn’t land and then ties me up.
Despite the disappointing defeat, the Londoner is remaining positive.
“Of course I will take positives, I headlined The O2 at such a young age and, for that, I’m grateful.
“I can learn from this and work on my mistakes – then we go again.
“I would love to even face Okolie again at some point down the line if he stays at cruiserweight.”
