Commonwealth Games champion Damar Thomas is determined to carve out a distinct identity in the sport, even as pundits and fans draw parallels between him and former Team GB super‑heavyweight standouts. After clinching the gold medal in Glasgow, the 21‑year‑old British boxer reflected on the pressure of living up to the legacy of the likes of Anthony Joshua, while emphasizing that his personal journey remains the priority.
Thomas secured the top podium spot in the super‑heavyweight division by out‑pointing India’s Narender Berwal with a unanimous 5‑0 decision. In doing so, he joined the ranks of recent British heavyweights such as Joe Joyce, Frazer Clarke and Delicious Orie, all of whom have previously hoisted the Commonwealth gold. Standing an imposing 6 feet 6 inches tall, Thomas naturally invites comparison to Joshua, a former Olympic champion who has become a household name in the heavyweight scene. Yet Thomas insists that such comparisons are secondary to his own development plan.
"Winning gold feels amazing," Thomas said in the post‑fight interview. "I’ve added my name to the list of British heavyweights who have won Commonwealth gold. My goal now is to follow that up with an Olympic gold in Los Angeles, and ultimately to build a legacy that is uniquely mine." He went on to explain that his focus is strictly on his own timeline.
"I’m in my own race at the moment, taking things at my own pace. I’m not measuring myself against anyone else. My aim is to create a legacy that belongs to me, and that feels incredibly rewarding." The young fighter’s ambition extends beyond the Commonwealth Games. He has set his sights on the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where he hopes to replicate his Commonwealth success on the world’s biggest amateur stage.
Thomas made it clear that his immediate objective is to remain an amateur athlete until after the LA Games, after which he plans to transition to the professional ranks. "First, I want to check that box for Los Angeles. I’m approaching each tournament one step at a time," he explained. "Boxing is a marathon, not a sprint, and I’m pacing myself accordingly.
The Olympics are my primary focus right now. Once that chapter is closed, I’ll definitely turn professional." Thomas’s technical attributes have also drawn attention. He highlighted his footwork and speed as his primary weapons, especially against opponents who often rely on a single, powerful punch.
"My feet and my speed are my biggest assets. Heavyweights tend to depend on one big shot, but I’m not built around that approach, and that gives me an edge," he said.
The victory over Berwal marked Thomas’s 11th straight win, a streak that began in November of the previous year. Throughout the bout, he displayed a high boxing IQ, using movement, angles, and precise combinations to outmaneuver the Indian contender. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and execute a disciplined game plan impressed both the judges and the spectators. Looking ahead, Thomas is also aware of the broader landscape of British heavyweight boxing.
He acknowledges the responsibility of carrying forward the nation’s strong tradition in the division while also acknowledging that the sport is evolving. He hopes to inspire younger athletes by showing that success can be achieved through patience, strategic planning, and a commitment to continual improvement.
Beyond his personal goals, Thomas highlighted the importance of the upcoming amateur circuit as a proving ground. He plans to compete in various international tournaments to refine his craft, gain experience against diverse styles, and solidify his standing before the Olympic qualifiers. Each competition, he says, is a stepping stone toward the ultimate prize.
In addition to his own aspirations, Thomas hinted at the excitement surrounding upcoming professional events in the UK. He mentioned the highly anticipated MVPW‑06 card in Birmingham, headlined by Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also featured. While Thomas is not yet ready to turn professional, he expressed enthusiasm for the vibrant boxing scene that will soon become his new arena. "The British boxing scene is buzzing, and I’m eager to be part of it when the time is right," he remarked.
"For now, I’m focused on the amateur path, but I’m looking forward to the day I can step into the professional ring and test myself against the best. In summary, Damar Thomas’s recent Commonwealth gold has propelled him into the spotlight, prompting inevitable comparisons to heavyweight icons like Anthony Joshua.
Yet Thomas remains steadfast in his belief that his career should be measured by his own standards and timelines. By emphasizing his footwork, speed, and strategic mindset, he aims to build a legacy that reflects his unique strengths.
With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as his next major target, Thomas is poised to continue his winning streak, refine his skills, and eventually make the leap to professional boxing, where he hopes to add another chapter to the storied history of British heavyweight champions.