British heavyweight Damar Thomas will compete for the national team at the world championships, which start on September 4 in Liverpool. The athlete, the same age as Moses Itauma, hopes to team up with his former teammate in the fight for the championship title. Thomas is coached by Olympic and world champion James DeGale.
Pictured: Damar Thomas will compete for Great Britain at the World Championships in Liverpool.
The potential of the British heavyweights goes beyond the big names like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Joshua and Fury have dominated the division for a long time. These former champions are slowly retiring, but new talent is emerging to take their place.
Moses Itaume and Damar Thomas are both 20 years old and have bright futures in boxing.
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Their paths are reminiscent of their predecessors. Itauma, like Fury, turned pro early, while Thomas, following Joshua's example, is pursuing an Olympic career, with his sights set on the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
However, unlike Fury and Joshua, Thomas and Itauma maintain a friendly relationship that began during their time with the England youth team.
Thomas, who has never faced Itauma in the ring, does not see him as a potential rival in future British heavyweight superfights.
“I don't know if it's appropriate, but we're close friends. So those thoughts don't come to me,” Thomas told Sky Sports.
“We participated together in the European Championship, won gold in Bulgaria. Later, at the World Championship in Spain, he won gold, and I won silver.
“He always stood out for his abilities.”
Pictured: Damar Thomas could become the next star of British boxing.
However, he is confident that together with Itauma they can replace Fury and Joshua, ensuring a bright future for the British heavyweight division.
“The situation is great – there are a lot of promising fighters now, not just Moses and me,” he noted.
“I'm focusing on my own path. My goal is Los Angeles, and that's the main thing.
“I don’t plan for the future – I live in the present and accept current challenges.”
Thomas' focus now is the World Championships in Liverpool, which will take place from 4 to 14 September at the M&S Bank Arena.
“Every opponent is dangerous, especially in the super heavyweight division, where everyone is hungry for victory,” the athlete emphasized.
“I'm really looking forward to this event, especially considering the home location. For a Briton, this is additional motivation. I'm ready to show everything I can do.”
“My job is to get in the ring and bring my best. A successful heavyweight always attracts attention, and I intend to use that.”
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Highlights from Moses Itauma's win over Dillian Whyte in Riyadh, streamed now with support from DAZN and Queensberry Promotions.
DeGale's role in the preparation
In addition to training with the national team, Thomas has been honing his skills under the tutelage of James DeGale, the first Briton to combine Olympic gold and a professional world title.
Their partnership began when 15-year-old Thomas first sparred with DeGale. “I was expelled from school early and academically I was struggling,” the boxer recalls. “One of the teachers got me involved in training during school breaks.
“Then a new gym opened, and that’s where I fell in love with boxing.”
For the video player to work correctly, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.
Barry Jones discusses Moses Itauma's potential opponents after win over Whyte.
Steve Newland's gym remains the heavyweight's training base. Thomas added: “DeGale is a regular at the gym for sparring. I happened to be there at the right time and got the chance to work with him.”
“It was an invaluable experience.”
Such mentorship reinforces the belief that Thomas, a southpaw with powerful knockout punches, is capable of making a name for himself in professional boxing.
“Participating in the Olympics has been my long-time dream,” he admitted. “After Los Angeles, I plan to go pro. For now, I'm focused on this goal.”
Sourse: skysports.com
