Lawrence Okolie wants Anthony Joshua undercard spot after settling Isaac Chamberlain grudge

LAWRENCE OKOLIE wants to jump straight on mentor Anthony Joshua’s March 31 undercard after settling his grudge with Isaac Chamberlain.

On an AJ Boxing co-promotion, with the heavyweight champ sitting ringside, Okolie bullied his enemy to a decision win over 10 rounds of hard watching.

But – with the bad blood sorted and the British Beef overcooked – the undefeated Hackney beast wants another light-heavyweight fight in a few weeks.

Okolie said: “Isaac tested me, this is a benchmark and I want to push on from this.

“I want to have a little rest, I want to box on the Anthony Joshua undercard next.

“I knew it wouldn’t be pretty, I hurt him early.

“I  have nothing but respect for him and his mental fortitude.

“I’m nowhere near the finished article, there’s a lot of mental and physical work to do.”

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Okolie, 25, had his honesty echoed by Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn who would have heard the boos as both fighters were deducted points for holding.

Like James DeGale and George Groves – who clashed early in their careers and went on to become world champions – Hearn hopes the underwhelming O2 clash acts as a springboard for both lads.

Hearn said: “Okolie has a lot to learn, but it’s a big win from Okolie, he was impressive in parts, but other parts he has to work on.

“Isaac got hurt and tried to recover. It was very scrappy. A big ten rounds for Okolie’s career.

“Both guys have a future, Isaac will come back while Okolie will move forward to British title shots as soon as possible.

“There will be a lot more exciting performances from Okolie to come.”