Damar Thomas has signalled he will carve his own path through heavyweight boxing after clinching Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow, insisting comparisons with Anthony Joshua will not deflect him from a long‑term plan that includes the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Gold in Glasgow, plans for LA
The 21‑year‑old, who stands at 6ft 6in, secured the super‑heavyweight crown with a unanimous decision over India's Narender Berwal — a victory that extended his winning run and left him unbeaten since November 2025. Thomas described the triumph as a proud addition to the roll call of recent British heavyweights but emphasised he is intent on building a distinct career.
"Yeah, it's a great feeling [to win gold]. I managed to add my name to the British heavyweights that won the Commonwealth [gold]. ... I'm just in my own race at the minute and taking it in my own strides. I'm not comparing myself to anyone. I'm doing everything at my own pace, which is great. What I want to do is create my own legacy, which is a good feeling."
The comment underlines a measured approach. Rather than chase immediate comparisons with high‑profile names, Thomas is focused on gradual progression through the amateur ranks with a clear target: Olympic success in Los Angeles in 2028. He also acknowledged that a professional career remains an objective for after the Games.
Style and strengths
Thomas has impressed with a blend of athleticism and ring IQ, claiming his principal weapons are mobility and speed — attributes he believes give him an edge over big heavyweights who rely on single, fight‑ending shots. The Commonwealth final illustrated that tactical approach as he picked apart his opponent over the distance.
- Weight category: Super‑heavyweight
- Age: 21
- Height: 6ft 6in
- Commonwealth result: Unanimous decision over Narender Berwal
- Form: 11 successive wins; unbeaten since November 2025
What this means for British heavyweight boxing
Thomas's triumph continues a recent pattern in which Team GB has produced a succession of high‑profile heavyweights in amateur competition — names such as Joe Joyce, Frazer Clarke and Delicious Orie have all won Commonwealth titles before progressing on to further medals or professional careers. Thomas's victory keeps that pipeline active and gives British selectors another plausible contender for the next Olympic cycle.
His stated preference to remain amateur through to 2028 aligns with a broader strategy used by a number of British boxers: consolidate experience and pedigree at major international tournaments before turning professional on the back of an Olympic or world championship podium. That route can raise a fighter's profile — and commercial value — substantially.
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent run | 11 successive wins |
| Unbeaten since | November 2025 |
| Commonwealth final | Defeated Narender Berwal (unanimous decision) |
For Team GB, Thomas presents a blend of size and mobility that could be valuable in the Olympic tournament where rounds are short and judges prize activity and ring generalship. Whether he follows the same heavyweight blueprint as predecessors or forges a distinct professional identity after Los Angeles remains to be seen — but for now the emphasis is on steady improvement rather than headline comparisons.
Thomas's message was straightforward and clear: comparisons are inevitable, but his priorities are personal progress and major championships. If he maintains his current trajectory, the heavyweight division — both amateur and professional — will be watching closely.
