Heavyweight boxer Damar Thomas is heading to his first Commonwealth Games with one goal in mind: gold. The 21-year-old from Powerday Hooks ABC in Ealing will compete in Glasgow, determined to make his mark on the international stage.
Training camp intensity
Thomas has undergone a rigorous training camp to prepare for the Games. “We are on the track at seven o’clock in the morning, doing the run. Then back in at 12 for pads or a technical session. And then in the evening, sparring. It’s quite a hard training camp, but nothing’s easy in this sporting life,” he said.
Standing at 6ft 6in, Thomas previously reached the 90kg+ quarter-finals at last year’s World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. He also won 92kg gold at the European Youth Boxing Championships and silver at the IBA Youth World Boxing Championships in 2022.
Inspiration from Birmingham 2022
Watching the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham fueled Thomas’ ambition. “When I watched in Birmingham, it looked great, and a great atmosphere, and I couldn’t wait to be there myself,” he said. “It’s always great to represent Team England, especially when you’re wearing a kit and you’re doing it for your nation.”
His selection came as an emotional surprise during training. “I was training here, then we ran into a meeting, and then we found out, and I was chuffed,” Thomas recalled. “I didn’t say anything. I waited till I got home and told my mum. She was really happy, especially because she is going to come and watch me win a gold medal.”
Boxing journey
Thomas’ path to boxing began casually at school. “I got into boxing literally doing pads at my school lunch break, and I loved it,” he explained. “As soon as I went down to the gym, I fell in love with boxing, and here I am now.”
Now, he is determined to seize his opportunity. “At these Games in Glasgow, my aim is to win gold, obviously, nothing less. It’s going to be great,” he added.
