Mark Chamberlain reveals reality behind Pierce O’Leary delay forward of this weekend’s rescheduled battle | Boxing Information

Mark Chamberlain and Pierce O’Leary have been speculated to collide in March, just for their super-lightweight conflict to be cancelled and finally rescheduled for August 1.

On the time, there was an absence of readability over the explanation for Chamberlain’s withdrawal, which afforded O’Leary just some weeks’ discover to dispatch Maxi Hughes in five rounds.

Having taken the time to talk with Boxing Information, although, Chamberlain can now verify the extent of his sickness earlier this 12 months.

“To clear issues up: I had a very unhealthy chest an infection. I had an ambulance despatched out to my home. They put me on an ECG [electrocardiogram] and mentioned that if I didn’t let my physique relaxation, I’d find yourself with pneumonia.

“I used to be on antibiotics for 5 days and that didn’t assist, so I took myself to hospital as a result of my ears began going humorous – I had a strain buildup from all of the coughing and sneezing.

“My stability additionally went humorous; I saved feeling dizzy. And all that went on for about 5 – 6 weeks. I’m a fairly match man, so God is aware of what that will’ve finished to somebody much less match.”

The very nature of boxing signifies that fighters, although immensely sturdy people, will at all times battle to take care of a clear invoice of well being.

For people who reduce ludicrous quantities of weight, and primarily put their our bodies by means of hell, it’s hardly shocking when a debilitating sickness comes knocking.

Remarkably, although, Chamberlain’s restoration course of after his all-action ding-dong with Jack Rafferty, in August 2025, was nowhere close to as gruelling as these 5 weeks with a chest an infection.

“I went on vacation three or 4 days [after the Rafferty fight] and felt advantageous. You prepare arduous, and spar arduous, in order that your physique’s ready for [a hard fight]. I used to be good to go the following weekend for an additional 12 rounds.”

Whereas at all times seen as a succesful combatant, Chamberlain stunned many along with his efficiency towards Rafferty.

Not solely did he present great spirit and sturdiness, however the Portsmouth southpaw additionally carried out an efficient technique, counterpunching on the backfoot whereas usually buying and selling within the pocket.

This didn’t fairly see him emerge victorious however, even so, Chamberlain can take ample confidence from his 12-round draw with Rafferty.

Now approaching an analogous matchup, the 27-year-old believes he has the instruments to spoil O’Leary’s Irish occasion.

“It feels the identical [as the Rafferty fight]. I’m going to the champion’s yard, once more. And I’ll simply do me, once more.

“[Rafferty] was blasting everybody out, and doubtless felt he’d do the identical to me. I really feel like Pierce is considering the identical factor. The way in which he’s been appearing and is coming throughout, I really feel like he’s bought a bee in his bonnet. However I’m not a walk-in-the-park fighter for anybody.

“I imagine, this time round, I’m a fair higher fighter.”

Having totally recovered from that nightmare chest an infection in March, Chamberlain believes he has come again stronger, able to stun O’Leary’s military of supporters at Dublin’s 3Arena.