It was a proud day for Liverpool as hometown heroes Odel Kamara and Callum Makin both secured places in the quarter-finals of the inaugural 2025 World Boxing Championships, which were held at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. Their progress, along with other standout performances from the GB Boxing squad, adds a vibrant chapter to England’s performance on home soil.
Odel Kamara: A Fast Start with a Fierce Finish
In the light-middleweight division (70 kg), Salisbury ABC’s Odel Kamara delivered a statement performance. He knocked out Canada’s Kuwardeep Manu in five seconds and dominated the rest of the way to a unanimous 5-0 victory. Kamara will now face Mongolia’s Byamba-Erdene Otgonbaatar in his quarter-final bout, which is scheduled for the afternoon session on Wednesday, September 10.
Kamara remarked with humility and focus: “I like a little fast start; it gets the ball rolling.… I just thought, play it safe, don’t get no cuts, no bruises, and I’ll be ready for the next round. Just one fight at a time.”
Callum Makin: Steady, Savvy, and Split-Decision Secured
Later in the middleweight category (75 kg), Callum Makin, a relative newcomer, put on one of the tournament’s best performances. Makin trailed Michał Jarlinski, Poland’s No. 4 seed, on some judges’ cards. But a strong and busy third round swung the momentum in his favor, resulting in a hard-fought, emotional split-decision victory (3-2).
He acknowledged the importance of solidarity and support, saying, “It was great having them (the Smiths) there… The quarter-final is going to be a tough fight… but this one’s for a medal so I am really going to have to dig deep.”
What’s Next for Liverpool’s Finest?
Wednesday, September 10, officially marks medal-bound territory, as all quarter-final bouts guarantee at least a bronze medal. Here’s what’s ahead for our local stars:
Odel Kamara (M70 kg) vs. Byamba-Erdene Otgonbaatar (Mongolia) — early session
Callum Makin (M75 kg) vs. Joshua Ofori of Canada — evening session, around 21:15 BST
These fights are not only important for medal hopes, but they also have the potential to inspire their fans and leave an impression on Liverpool’s rich boxing history.
A Day to Remember in GB Boxing
The victories of Kamara and Makin were part of a sensational performance by Team England. Will Hewitt also advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Paris 2024 silver medalist Munarbek Siitbek Uulu in a close split decision.
In total, eight athletes from GB Boxing advanced to the medal rounds, including heavyweight Damar Thomas, Sacha Hickey, Emily Asquith, Alice Pumphrey, Dimeji Shittu, and Chantelle Reid, who has already secured a medal by reaching the semi-finals.
England’s broader success story
Kamara and Makin are not alone in their journey. The British Boxing squad had a standout day overall:
Will Hewitt upset Olympic silver medalist Munarbek Seiitbek Uulu to advance.
Additional quarter-final places were clinched by Sacha Hickey (W65 kg), Damar Thomas (+90 kg), Alice Pumphrey (W48 kg), and others.
In total, eight English boxers remain in the tournament after Day 6, poised for medal contention.
Final Thoughts
Making it to the quarter-finals on home soil means more to Odel Kamara and Callum Makin than just medals; it’s a source of pride, a testament to their work ethic, and a spark for Liverpool’s future boxers.
Win or lose, the energy they brought to the ring—powerful jabs, home crowd roar, and steadfast composure—paints a vivid picture of sportsmanship at work. As Wednesday unfolds, Liverpool’s boxing fans will be glued to their screens, hopeful and proud.
Here’s to a golden punchline for Kamara and Makin—and the entire GB team aiming for glory. Let the medal-hunting begin!