Thomas dismisses Joshua comparisons as he targets Olympic gold

Commonwealth Games super-heavyweight champion Damar Thomas has moved to distance himself from comparisons with Anthony Joshua, asserting his intent to forge a distinct path ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 21-year-old British boxer secured gold in Glasgow by defeating India’s Narender Berwal via a unanimous decision, following a trajectory previously set by Joe Joyce, Frazer Clarke, and Delicious Orie.

Standing at 6ft 6in, Thomas has drawn inevitable parallels to the former Team GB star due to their similar physical stature and career arcs. However, Thomas maintains that he is focused on his own development timeline rather than external narratives. He described his approach as taking things in his own strides, emphasising a desire to create his own legacy rather than emulate predecessors.

Thomas, who boasts an 11-fight winning streak extending back to November, highlighted his technical assets as key differentiators in the heavyweight division. He identified his footwork and speed as primary advantages, contrasting his style with opponents who rely heavily on single-shot power punches. His performance against Berwal was noted for its boxing intelligence, contributing to his five-fight record in the tournament.

The boxer’s immediate objective is to secure Olympic gold in Los Angeles, a goal he views as a critical milestone before transitioning to the professional ranks. Thomas stated that he intends to remain an amateur until after the 2028 Games, treating the tournament as a marathon rather than a sprint. He confirmed that turning professional is a definite intention once his Olympic ambitions are fulfilled.

While Thomas focuses on the upcoming Games, the broader British boxing calendar includes other significant fixtures, such as the Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron bout scheduled for 29 August. For now, Thomas remains fixed on adding his name to the list of British heavyweights who have achieved Olympic success, prioritising the Los Angeles target above all else.