CARAVAN OF GLOVE
Matty plans victory from mobile home
MATTY ASKIN is using life in his old man’s caravan to inspire him to stop Lawrence Okolie becoming a household name.
British cruiserweight champion Askin puts his title on the line against Rio Olympian and rising star Okolie (inset) on September 22 at Wembley Stadium.
The clash is on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight title defence against Alexander Povetkin.
Okolie is managed by and trains alongside Joshua and has been tipped for the big time after nine wins from nine career outings so far.
But the experienced Askin, who lives in Blackpool, is out to make sure the “arrogant” up and comer is put in his place when they meet in two weeks’ time. And he has been spending time away from partner Samantha Conway and their son Lincoln to train under former world title challenger Michael Jennings. Askin, 29, said: “I live in a caravan and it is giving me a lot of drive to beat Okolie. I miss them massively.
“I go and stay at Charity Farm camp site, I sit in my van, read books, watch films and train.
“It’s my dad’s caravan and costs me a fortune because, when I’m done, I get it valeted.” Of the bout he said: “It could be one of my easier fights, if I’m honest. I’m proven at this level, whereas he is not.
“He is relatively new to the professional game.
“He can clearly do a bit, otherwise he wouldn’t be where he is, but I believe I’m a lot better than him.
“It’s too early for him, he has bitten off too much at this stage of his career. It’s my time now to prove why I’m British champion.
“Doing it to Okolie will make it sweeter because he is a bit of an arrogant d***.”
Blackpool-based Askin was touted for the top in his early days as a pro before defeats left him disillusioned.
But teaming up with former British champion Jennings four years ago has revitalised his career.
“Before I moved to Mike I was going to call it a day,” he said.
“Then I started enjoying it again. I started to believe in myself again. I do believe I can go on to do big things.”