Isaac Chamberlain, the British cruiserweight champion, has responded emphatically to Viddal Riley’s callout, signaling his willingness to face him in the ring. Riley, who holds the English title, publicly expressed his desire for a shot at Chamberlain after securing a points decision victory over Mikael Lawal at the O2 Arena on Sunday.
However, Chamberlain did not mince words in criticizing Riley’s performance against Lawal. He condemned Riley’s evasive tactics, describing them as mere “running and peppering” and emphasized the necessity for a more assertive and aggressive approach in professional boxing. Chamberlain contrasted Riley’s style with his own victorious showing against Lawal, highlighting his strategic aggression and relentless forward pressure throughout the bout.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with Riley’s performance, Chamberlain issued a stern warning to his potential opponent. He asserted that if Riley were to adopt a similar evasive strategy in their potential matchup, he would be in for a tough time in the ring. Chamberlain made it clear that he is ready to face Riley and called for the fight to happen soon, emphasizing the magnitude of the showdown and the anticipation surrounding it.
Despite his eagerness for the matchup, Chamberlain expressed some skepticism about its immediate realization. He criticized the unpredictability and inconsistency within the boxing industry, referring to potential alternatives such as facing Chev Clarke, his mandatory challenger, or pursuing a matchup with the European champion, Michal Cieslak. Chamberlain’s remarks reflect his determination to secure meaningful fights while navigating the complexities of the sport’s landscape.