British heavyweight boxer Isaac Okoh has hit a remarkable stride in recent months. After a disappointing performance at the World Championships a year ago, the 28‑year‑old has turned his fortunes around, stringing together a series of impressive victories that culminated in a gold‑medal triumph at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Now, with the European Championships underway in Sofia, Okoh is eager to maintain his momentum and prove that his recent success is no fluke. Okoh’s first bout of the European tournament is scheduled for Sunday, when he will face Poland’s Alexey Sevostyanov.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the fight, the Ghana‑born British athlete radiated confidence. “I’m confident I can beat anyone in the world at the minute. It’s going to take a really good fighter to beat me,” he said. “There are a lot of great competitors at this weight class, but I feel I’m among the very best and I’m genuinely in contention for a gold medal.
I’m well‑prepared and I fancy my chances against anyone in this tournament.” The gold medal in Glasgow has been a major boost to Okoh’s self‑belief. “It’s a dream come true,” he reflected.
“When you first start boxing, the Commonwealth Games are one of those events you imagine yourself competing in. To actually win gold, and to do it close to home with friends and family in the stands, was an incredibly proud moment.” He added that the victory has given him a surge of confidence as he looks ahead to the upcoming Olympic qualifying events and the 2028 Summer Games. “Since the World Championships I’ve been boxing brilliantly.
I knew I had to step up… I’ve been flying.” Okoh also praised the broader British squad competing in Sofia. “We have a great team. We came back from the Commonwealth Games with a fantastic medal tally – one of the best we’ve had in a long time.
The squad right now is full of talent, very young, fresh and hungry. The mood in camp is brilliant and morale is through the roof,” he said. “It’s a great team and a great group of people to be around.” The British contingent has indeed shown depth across several weight divisions.
While Sacha Hickey suffered an unexpected defeat to Croatia’s Sara Beram, fellow Commonwealth Games medallist Ruby White made a strong impression. After falling short in the fly‑weight final in Glasgow, White returned to the ring on Saturday and dominated Serbia’s Nikolina Dzida, scoring knock‑downs in both the first and second rounds before securing a clear unanimous decision. Okoh’s rise is particularly notable given the setbacks he endured at the 2025 World Championships, where he exited early and faced criticism for a lack of aggression.
Instead of allowing that disappointment to define his career, he used it as a catalyst for change. He revamped his training regimen, bringing in a new strength‑and‑conditioning coach and focusing on improving his footwork and defensive timing. The results have been evident: his jab is sharper, his combinations flow more fluidly, and his ability to control the pace of a fight has improved dramatically. Beyond the physical adjustments, Okoh has also worked on his mental game.
He now works with a sports psychologist to develop a pre‑fight routine that helps him stay calm and focused under pressure. This mental fortitude was on display in Glasgow, where he weathered early aggression from his opponent before taking command in the later rounds.
The same composure will be essential in Sofia, where the European field is stacked with seasoned veterans and rising stars alike. Looking ahead, Okoh’s immediate goal is to secure a medal at the European Championships, which would not only add another accolade to his growing résumé but also boost his seeding for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers. “Every tournament is a stepping stone,” he explained.
“The Europeans are a big stage, and performing well here tells the world that I’m a serious contender for the Olympics.” Outside the ring, Okov remains grounded. He frequently visits local schools in his hometown of London to talk to young aspiring boxers about the importance of discipline, education, and community support.
He credits his family, coaches, and the British Boxing Board of Control for providing the structure that allowed him to rebound from his earlier setbacks. In summary, Isaac Okoh’s journey from a lackluster showing at the World Championships to Commonwealth gold and now a confident challenger at the European Championships illustrates the power of resilience, strategic adaptation, and unwavering belief in one’s abilities.
As he steps into the Sofia arena against Alexey Sevostyanov, the boxing world will be watching closely to see if his bold claim—that he can beat anyone in the world right now—holds true. Regardless of the outcome, Okoh’s story already serves as an inspiring example of how dedication and a willingness to evolve can transform an athlete’s career.