Two Liverpool boxers are on the verge of sporting immortality – after securing semi-final berths at the World Boxing Championships.
Callum Makin and Odel Kamara thrilled their hometown crowd in the M&S Bank Arena with convincing quarter-final wins which guaranteed them at least a bronze medal.
But the duo have their sights set on making history this weekend, by becoming only the second and third British boxers to land a world amateur title.
Odel, who fights in the 70kg category, clinched his win in front of hundreds of Liverpool schoolchildren who were at the tournament as part of a City Council-run programme.
The Salisbury ABC fighter was quick to thank his fans for their support – and also singled out former World Boxing Champion Tony Bellew who declared Odel “a superstar” after another polished performance.
Pic by Caitlin Dyson.
Callum quickly followed in Odel’s footsteps in last night’s evening schedule and is set to contest his 75kg semi-final match tomorrow night. If victorious, the Rotunda ABC southpaw will go for gold on Saturday.
Odel will aim to reach his final on Saturday evening. Semi-final success means his final would be on Sunday.
Tickets to see and cheer on Callum and Odel’s chase for a historic double, are also on sale via the official championship website.
As well as Tony Bellew, who is a championship ambassador, fellow World Champion Natasha Jonas has also been ringside for what is the first world championships to host both men and women matches simultaneously.
Their presence has made it special for the school kids watching, knowing champions are in the room. Seeing homegrown boxers like Odel Kamara and Callum proves to the kids if you “work hard, you’ll get there.”
Thanks to the schools programme for the tournament, PE teachers around Liverpool have claimed they want to add more boxing drills and fitness in their lessons to inspire the younger generation.
One teacher said: “Watching a sport like boxing shows the different aspects and jobs in the pathway beyond just fighting. Sport is a powerful way of getting peoples attention because its a way to be drawn into the drama and the passion to cheer your side to win.”
Year 11 PE GCSE students from Broughton Hall High School in West Derby agreed.
One pupil, Izzy, claimed: “It’s been a really good atmosphere with people from around the world and from Liverpool, making it a really great atmosphere.” Her friend Chantelle added: “Its been really fun to watch with everyone.”
More than 500 men and women from over 60 countries started out in the competition but that’s now down to just a handful as we get to the climax of what’s been a thrilling championships.
After his quarter-final win Odel highlighted the atmosphere and the noise made by the Liverpool schoolkids and drew on their shouting encouragement to give him motivation.
Legacy is also playing a huge role at these championships. In partnership with England Boxing there is 30,000+opportunities for young people and 1,100 hours of community coaching.
Natasha Jonas said: “In this city, we are driven. If there’s one thing we do well, it is that we create athletes and sports stars.” Her words capture the hard work and effort that the boxers from this city show in the ring, and their success plays a part in our cities sporting history.
“When a Liverpool lad steps into the ring, he’s not alone he’s got the whole city behind him” said Tony Bellew as he added “This city lives and breathes boxing. To host the world here, its massive. Its not just about the fights, its about inspiring the future generation.” His words echo the fighting spirit of this city. We wont be knocked down, we are winners.
- This article has been researched and features words and quotes by work experience student, Caitlin Dyson, 15, of Holy Family RC High School in Thornton.
- The accompanying photo of Odel Kamara being embraced by Tony Bellew after his quarter-final win, was also taken by Caitlin (below).
