Friday 10 April 2015 11:36, UK
Isaac Chamberlain has only fought one professional bout but is already preparing for his second stadium show having sparred with world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
The 21-year-old cruiserweight prospect beat Moses Matovu in his debut at the O2 Arena in London and will now fight Jason Jones on Josh Warrington’s undercard this weekend in Leeds, live on Sky Sports 2 at 7.30pm.
The nephew of former European champion Ted Bami has the remarkable experience of training with Deontay Wilder before the American won the heavyweight title in January and realises his novice career has already had some enviable highs.
“I’m lucky to be in a position where I’m starting my career in big arenas because most professionals start in leisure centres,” he told Sky Sports.
“The venue is the First Direct Arena which has an absolutely amazing atmosphere – one of the best in the UK. It’s phenomenal, it reminds me of Ricky Hatton’s atmospheres in Vegas.
“It will be a night to remember with Warrington headlining. I’m looking forward to making those fans make some noise.
“Every time I fight I’m looking to gain as much experience as I can. It’s completely different to the amateurs because every fight makes you feel like a star.”
Crazy
I keep in contact with Deontay, I’ve asked him about his new life as WBC heavyweight champion. He’s been telling me about yachts and private jets.
Having endured a training camp with Wilder in Alabama in late 2014, Chamberlain’s gym partners are equally as menacing at his Brixton base – with Anthony Joshua’s old foe providing hard-hitting competition.
“I’ve been training with Dillian Whyte, the heavyweight who beat up Anthony Joshua in the amateurs,” Chamberlain said.
“Everyone’s going crazy about a rematch between them! He gives me a lot of advice.
“I keep in contact with Deontay, I’ve asked him about his new life as WBC heavyweight champion. He’s been telling me about yachts and private jets – but he knows he’s blessed to live that big life.
“I only went into a gym because my uncle wanted to tire me out so I wouldn’t mix with the wrong crowd. My motivation was to stop my bike getting stolen but I’ve stuck at it, and here I am now.”
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