Lawrence Okolie targets spot on Anthony Joshua undercard after beating Isaac Chamberlain in grudge match

Fast-rising Okolie is determined to get straight back into the gym after his dominant victory over London rival Chamberlain

Lawrence Okolie maintained his undefeated record (Getty)

Lawrence Okolie has targeted a spot on the Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker undercard after he inflicted a first defeat on London rival Isaac Chamberlain, to win the WBA continental cruiserweight belt, in a unanimous points decision at the O2.

After weeks of frenzied build-up, the fight failed to truly ignite in a scrappy clash of styles, but Okolie was on the front foot throughout.

Okolie, who turned professional after the Rio Olympics and is part of world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua's AJ Boxing stable, sent Chamberlain to the canvas in the opening round then again in the sixth.

And while not being able to deliver the knockout in what was largely an ugly contest, Okolie's dominance was reflected in the judges' scorecards, all showing a wide margin of victory at 98-89, 96-90 and 97-89.

After the contest Okolie admitted that he has plenty of work left to do going forward, but wants to get back into the ring sooner rather than later, with a spot on the Joshua undercard firmly in his sights.

“Before this fight, I said to everyone that the next time you see me I will be WBA Inter-continental champion, I stuck to it and got the win,” he said.

“I want to have a little rest and then box on the Anthony Joshua undercard next against someone like Craig Kennedy.

“I want to face someone good and keep working, Kennedy is from Wales so it will be another good learning experience.

“Headlining The O2 or boxing at York Hall, it's all the same, you get in the ring and all the talk goes out the window, you land the right hand and people go down.”

It was a scrappy, ugly fight (Getty)

Okolie extended his unbeaten record to eight contests and is a rising star at cruiserweight – currently one of the most talented stacked weight divisions in world boxing.

WBO and WBC world champion Oleksandr Usyk will meet WBA and IBF belt holder Murat Gassiev in a World Boxing Super Series final to savour on May 11, while former WBC champion Tony Bellew has outlined his intentions to return to the division after his heavyweight rematch with David Haye on May 5.

And although 25-year-old Okolie has a long way to go before taking on such dangerous opponents, his promoter Eddie Hearn believes he has an exciting future.

“Both guys have a future, Isaac will come back while Okolie will move forward to British title shots as soon as possible,” he said. “There will be a lot more exciting performances from Okolie to come.”