ECHO exclusive as Callum Makin chats to Connor O’Neill ahead of the World Boxing Championships
Callum Makin in training
Callum Makin dreams of representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games – but first he’s ready to reign supreme in Liverpool. Makin is currently preparing to represent Team GB in the 75kg competition at the World Boxing Championships, which start at the M&S Bank Arena at the end of this week.
The competition will feature 10 weight classes for both men and women and will be the first time ever that male and female boxers have competed in Olympic-style boxing for the title of world champion at the same event. The action kicks off on September 4, and although Makin admits his dream is to fight at the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, he is first ready to claim gold in front of his family and friends.
“The dream is the Olympic Games, but for now it is just full focus on the World Championships in Liverpool,” he told the ECHO.
“When that opportunity comes, though, in three years’ time, I will be more than prepared for the opportunity if it comes.
“That is the main goal, the Olympic Games; then moving forward from that would be the professionals, but for now it is just full focus on Liverpool and the World Championships.
“I can’t wait to represent the city. Representing myself and the city gives me the chance to show everyone how good I am on the world stage.
“I’m more excited than feeling pressure. With a bigger crowd I feel like it will bring the best out of me.
“With my family, friends and team-mates there, I feel like it will bring the best out of me, and I will be able to showcase my qualities.
“To have a tournament in England is massive. But the fact it is in Liverpool means even more to me. I can’t wait for it. It is pure excitement.”
Makin was promoted to GB Boxing’s Podium Squad after impressing in the Academy group, and he believes his team-mates have no excuses as to why they can’t win gold.
“I have not been in the GB Boxing squad for too long, so it was great to be selected,” he said.
“The coaches have shown great faith in me and told me they are confident I can operate at this level, so that is a real confidence boost and I am determined to repay them by working hard to be in the best possible shape and deliver a strong performance.
“Training has been going great and I have been training really hard the past nine to 10 weeks.
“The camp has gone really well. We have had top preparation in Sheffield and now I can’t wait to show it all next week.
“We get the best of everything. We get the best coaching and training, we have the best of everything down there.
“There should be no excuses from anyone on the team why we can’t go all the way and win a gold medal.”