East London fighter ready to take the step up

Clapton heavyweight Larry Olubamiwo believes he is ready for a British title shot but concedes he may have to wait a year to get one.

The Hackney man has been dominant of late, winning his last three fights inside the opening round and although ‘The War Machine’ has only competed in nine professional bouts, he feels ready to take the step up.

“I do expect a British title fight sooner rather than later,” said the Southern Area champion.

“I believe I am ready. I’m rated as number one I think for the English title, so must be only two or three for the British title. At worst I expect a shot by the end of next year.”

His title credentials could have been enhanced on Saturday had he competed and won on Frank Maloney’s London Troxy bill.

There have been rumours of a rift with Maloney and although Olubamiwo would not disclose his reasons for pulling out at the weekend, admitted his disappointment at not taking part.

“Everything is fine with my trainer James Cook and at the moment Frank Maloney is my manager,” he said.

“Obviously I want to fight as often as I can and I am disappointed I didn’t fight on Saturday.”

Confident after a run of dominant displays, Olubamiwo feels he has come on leaps and bounds as a fighter.

“I feel great at the moment and you can see in my last few fights how much of an improvement I have made,” he said.

“There have been doubts about my defence in the past, but you could see against Ferguson (his last fight) how much better that has become.

“I’ve been out to America to train with Freddie Roach a few times with James’ blessing and I hope to go again in the future with James.

“I’ve had some good sparring sessions out there and I feel I have really benefitted from Freddie Roach’s experience. He has helped me a lot.”

At 32, many would feel there is little time left Olubamiwo to make an impact outside of Britain, but the Hackney man refuses to see age as a barrier.

“You know at the beginning, my age was in the back of my mind, but for me now, it is not an issue,” he said.

“I’ve seen how late heavyweights can fight on until and James has always told me not to worry about my age.

“I go to the gym every day am in good shape and I have never abused my body, so why should I worry?

“I’m not saying it isn’t hard to keep my ambitious side in check though.”