Liverpool Boxers Aim for Glory at Inaugural World Championships

Two Liverpool boxers, Odel Kamara and Callum Makin, are set to make their mark on the international boxing scene during the inaugural World Boxing Championships at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. The event, running from September 4 to 14, 2023, presents a significant opportunity for both fighters to showcase their talent in front of a hometown crowd.

The championships feature a fresh team from GB Boxing, with Kamara and Makin eager to prove themselves as contenders for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Kamara, competing in the light-middleweight category, expressed his ambition, stating, “It’s a chance to prove what I can do as not just an amateur but for our city as I go through the different stages of my career.” He began his journey in combat sports as a kickboxer but found his passion in boxing at Salisbury ABC, a well-respected club in Liverpool.

Kamara reminisced about his transition from mixed martial arts to boxing, saying, “I wanted to be an MMA fighter, and I just fell in love with boxing as soon as I walked into The Solly.” He highlighted the pride and community spirit at the club, remarking that the championships being held in Liverpool, a city with a rich boxing history, would bring even more exposure to the sport locally.

Makin, competing as a middleweight and currently training at the Rotunda club, echoed Kamara’s sentiments. He is determined to represent both his country and his home city at this prestigious event. “When I found out that the World Championships were in Liverpool, that was my main goal more than anything,” Makin said. He, too, transitioned from kickboxing, reflecting on his early aspirations of becoming a footballer. “I was nowhere near good enough,” he admitted, “Boxing was the sport for me.”

Both fighters have received guidance from notable figures in the sport. Kamara, for instance, has benefitted from the advice of former Olympic bronze medallist David Price, who has shared insights on navigating significant tournaments.

As the event draws closer, Kamara is also keeping an eye on the boxing world, particularly on his idol, Terence Crawford, who is set to face Canelo Alvarez in a highly anticipated bout in Las Vegas on September 13, 2023. Kamara plans to focus on his championship preparation, saying, “I’ll try to avoid the result. I’ll watch it back when I have a medal with me, hopefully.”

The World Boxing Championships not only represent a platform for these athletes to shine but also aim to solidify boxing’s presence in the Olympic Games. Makin remarked, “The aim has always been the Olympics,” emphasizing the significance of this event in their careers before turning professional.

Tickets for the World Championships are priced at £15 for adults and £5 for concessions, with more information available at www.worldboxingliverpool.com. As Kamara and Makin gear up for their matches, they embody the hopes of Liverpool’s boxing community, striving to become the next local heroes in a city known for its sporting excellence.