Isaac Chamberlain has told talkSPORT that he is eager for an all-British showdown with emerging prospect Viddal Riley.
Having secured the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles in October, Chamberlain has now set his sights on claiming the European title, and will challenge Michal Cieslak for the belt on the undercard of the Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe rematch on June 15.
Despite having suffered two defeats against current WBO cruiserweight world champion Billam-Smith and former champion Lawrence Okolie, Chamberlain remains undeterred in his pursuit of championship glory.
On Saturday night, he joined Adam Catterall and Gareth A Davies in the studio on talkSPORT’s Fight Night show, still dressed in his gym attire following a workout, and emphasised his dedication to preparation for his June 15 showdown with Cieslak.
“I’ve been training hard, I’ve been on it and I’ve been relishing this opportunity,” Chamberlain began.
“This is two steps away from world honours, this is a final eliminator for a world championship as well.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I want to thank my promoter Mick Hennessey – he’s done a tremendous job, a big shout out to him.
“He took me from when I was in Miami training, everybody had forgotten about me, to selling out shows again and main eventing again. He deserves his flowers, he’s one of the best UK promoters.”
Reflecting on his recent heated confrontation with Riley, Chamberlain explained: “Viddal Riley was there, Sky really wanted that fight, BOXXER really wanted that fight.
“He was talking a lot and I was thinking, ‘Do you know what? It sells.’
“I don’t really like people talking and not fulfilling what they say they were going to do. He keeps saying my name.”
Seizing the moment to challenge Riley directly, Chamberlain asserted: “I thought, ‘You know what? I’m here now, what now bro? If you’re really about it, we’ll fight.’”
Dispelling rumours of ‘ducking’, Chamberlain reaffirmed his commitment to facing top competition.
“Now because of all these mandatories they say I’m ducking,” he explained, “I’ve never ducked a fight in my life.
“I’ve fought all these UK world champions, I’ve fought top, top guys, there’s no ducking over here, especially with an 8-0 prospect.
“I’m going for the European title, I’m going to be fighting a top Polish operator, he’s only lost to Okolie who was world champion and Ilunga Makabu who was once a WBC world champion.
“He’s going to bring hell because he can’t afford to lose to me because his world title aspirations are gone.”
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News Summary:
- ‘I’ve never ducked a fight’ – Isaac Chamberlain welcomes all-British clash with Viddal Riley after European title challenge
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