Liverpool Boxers Aim for Glory at Inaugural World Championships

Two boxers from Liverpool, Odel Kamara and Callum Makin, are poised to make their mark on the international stage during the inaugural World Boxing Championships, taking place at the M&S Bank Arena from September 4 to 14, 2023. Both fighters are eager to showcase their skills as they pursue their dreams of Olympic glory at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Kamara, a light-middleweight, expressed his excitement about competing in his hometown. “It’s a chance to prove what I can do not just as an amateur but for our city as I go through the different stages of my career,” he said. His journey in boxing began at the Salisbury ABC gym in Liverpool, where he initially trained in kickboxing. Kamara found a passion for boxing that led him to leave mixed martial arts behind. He described the atmosphere at Salisbury as a source of pride, emphasizing the significance of hosting the championships in a city known for its rich boxing history.

Makin, a middleweight and member of the Rotunda boxing club, echoed Kamara’s sentiments. “When I found out that the World Championships were in Liverpool, that was my main goal,” he stated. Makin, who also transitioned from kickboxing to boxing, spoke about his aspirations to represent not just his country but also his home city and club.

Both fighters are aware of the legacy of boxing in Liverpool, home to renowned athletes like Olympic bronze medallist David Price, who has offered Kamara valuable advice regarding high-stakes tournaments. “He’s given me plenty of advice, especially about dealing with big tournaments,” Kamara noted.

As the championships approach, Kamara and Makin are focused on their training and preparation. Kamara, a fan of boxing legends such as Roy Jones Jr. and Terence Crawford, is determined to stay focused on his competition. Although he is aware that Crawford is scheduled to fight Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas on September 13, he plans to avoid the results in order to remain rested for his own championship final.

The World Championships represent a significant opportunity for both athletes. They are determined to make the most of this platform and to elevate the profile of Liverpool as a key player in the boxing world. Makin emphasized, “The aim has always been the Olympics,” reflecting their shared ambition to compete on the grandest stage.

Tickets for the championships are priced at £15 for adults and £5 for concessions, available through the official website, www.worldboxingliverpool.com. The event not only aims to showcase emerging talents like Kamara and Makin but also to promote boxing in a city with a storied past in the sport. As these athletes step into the ring, they carry the hopes of their community, striving to become the next heroes of Liverpool boxing.