British boxer Callum Makin picks weight class for Olympic qualification

Callum Makin, a 22-year-old middleweight from Liverpool who boxes for the Great Britain amateur team, has decided which weight class to compete in during Olympic qualification, which begins next year. He has fought at 75kg, but that division is no longer part of the Olympic programme, so he must move either down to 70kg or up to 80kg.

Makin told Sky Sports he has chosen 80kg. He acknowledged that either option is a big jump, but said he is confident of succeeding with the right team around him. In his words, keeping weight very low day after day is a major demand, and he would rather box at full strength.

Medals at international events

Makin has twice been a national champion at light-middleweight. Internationally, he won bronze at the World Championships in his hometown of Liverpool and bronze at the recent European Championships in Bulgaria.

He said there was considerable pressure to perform at the Worlds at home, and he was glad to deliver. In Bulgaria the atmosphere was more relaxed and he concentrated on the fight itself and enjoying it. He described a medal at such a big tournament as the icing on the cake.

Longer-term goals

Makin is targeting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Further ahead, he wants to follow Liverpool's tradition of professional fighters and become a world champion. He noted that the city's fans are known for backing their fighters and sportspeople, and he would one day like to bring a major fight to Liverpool.

For now, his focus is on Olympic qualification next year, with a busy end to the current year ahead.