Isaac Chamberlain: ‘Boxing saved my life, beating Chris Billam-Smith on Saturday will change that’ | Boxing News

Boxing gave Isaac Chamberlain a lifeline. Victory on Saturday could change his life.

However, the difficult challenge posed by Chris Billam-Smith – posed by Bournemouth supporters – pales in comparison to the hardships Isaac Chamberlain faced as a young man in London.

The British heavy cruiser had seen things no child had seen on the streets of Brixton before he entered his teens. Even so, the prevalence of gang culture and knife crime has become the norm for a child lucky enough to have breakfast before school.

“As you grow up around it, you become numb to it. You get that phone call. So-and-so got stabbed or something like that passed away. It’s very sad and sometimes it comes back. home but after a while you become a bit numb,” he said Sky Sports News.

“I’ve seen some things.”

Among those killed in the gruesome and brutal environment was Chamberlain’s teenage cousin. At the age of 11, Chamberlain was forced to transport Class A drugs to gang leaders.

“Growing up in Brixton, you had to do certain things for the elders,” he said, “transferring drugs and stuff. You’re thinking, ‘Yes, they’re looking for you.’ But they don’t really abuse you.

“In your head at that age, you’re thinking if I do this you can have what they have – cars, necklaces, money. You’re there and sometimes you can’t even have breakfast. All you got for dinner went to bed You got nothing I’m waiting for the free school meal so I can have a proper meal.“

Chamberlain’s path seemed destined to lead him in a depressing direction. Until boxing changed his landscape. It was his mother who took him to a gym for the first time – and there was no turning back.

“I probably followed the friends I grew up with at the time. They went down the wrong path. You became a product of your environment. I could have gone to jail, or been imprisoned. stabbing or something like that but thank God I didn’t,” he said.

“Boxing has given me a lifesaver. When I was young, I had low self-esteem – I didn’t really believe in myself. Boxing gives voice to those who don’t have or don’t want to speak up. It makes you confident to speak through your combat. It gives you the confidence to speak out and be yourself a lot more. Before boxing, I lived in my shell more. I’m very impressed.”

While his journey inside the boxing ring is far from smooth – hampered by inactivity, injury and an early defeat to Lawrence Okolie in 2018 – victory over domestic rival Billam- Smith on Saturday opens the door to potential world title opportunities.

It is impossible to erase memories forged in hostile environments as children. Instead, Chamberlain wants to use his experience to empower young people to grow up in communities similar to his own. He’s an ambassador for Gloves Up Knives Down – an initiative to provide access to boxing training to young people to help them lead a fulfilling life free of crime.

“I know someone out there who has a story like mine or even worse. I know that if it can help me it can definitely help the next kid who’s thinking like me. It’s just one of the reasons I’ve been influenced by it and what it has done to my life,” said Chamberlain.

Gloves Up Knives Down will launch their first fitness center at Haringey on Saturday – just hours before Chamberlain enters the ring at the Bournemouth International Centre. The British cruiser was well aware of the transformative impact this war could have on its own path.

“It’s going to be an amazing sight. I can’t wait to show everyone that Isaac is one of the most improved boxers in recent times. This fight could definitely change my life,” he said. speak.

“They’re saying that the winner of this bout fights for the IBF world title against Jai Opetaia and the Ring Magazine belt, which means you’re world No. 1. It’s a huge, huge opportunity for you. It’s definitely something that could change my life and change the lives of my family.”

The biggest match in women’s boxing history – Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall – is live on Sky Sports on Saturday, September 10. Be a part of history and buy tickets to the London match here.