The rivalry involving two heavyweight champions, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder may have been rekindled as both boxing champions are supporting different boxers ahead of Saturday's 'British Beef' clash between the unbeaten London cruiserweights. While Deontay Wilder is rooting for former sparring partner Isaac Chamberlain, Joshua is supporting Lawrence Okolie.
Sky Sports reports that Chamberlain sparred with Wilder back in 2014 before he turned professional and the pair have stayed in touch, especially in the build-up to the Brixton man's battle with Okolie. Speaking ahead of the match, Wilder said
"Isaac is like a little brother to me. We treat him like family when he comes here and I've talked to him on many occasions in the preparations for this fight with Lawrence. He has the heart of a lion and he is not scared to get in there with anyone.
"For him to come down and spar with me, I gave him great work and when he comes down and feels my power, I don't think he is scared to fight anyone. He's already fought the best, some of the champs.
"Experience will take my lil bro a long way and if he takes what he has learned over the last few years and he applies it, Isaac is going to come out victorious."
Meanwhile, Sky Sources report that Joshua has also offered his own advice to Okolie, assuring that he would beat his opponent.
Okolie represented Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics and his career is guided by the management company of Wilder's heavyweight rival Anthony Joshua, but the 'Bronze Bomber' believes Chamberlain can boost his own reputation with victory.
"We are definitely cheering [Isaac] on on this side of the pond and we hope for the best from both fighters, that they put on a great show and both come in safely and leave safely.
"He's come a long way. I've told him he should be proud of what he has accomplished so far and I am looking forward to him becoming a champion soon.
"This fight is his big break, the opportunity to seize the naysayers, silence all the critics. He's been preparing for this for a long time, so he is ready for this and I wish him all the best."
