Odel Kamara: A Rising Star in Boxing
Odel Kamara has made a remarkable impression on the world stage of boxing, claiming a bronze medal at the 2025 World Boxing Championships held in his hometown, Liverpool. The 21-year-old, affectionately known as ‘The Hurricane,’ felt the weight of a nation’s expectations as he advanced to the semi-finals, delivering electrifying performances throughout the tournament at the M & S Bank Arena.
His Journey to the Semi-Finals
His journey began with a dominant display against Kosovo’s Shpetim Bajoku, where he dispatched his opponent with three standing eight-counts. He continued to make a statement by knocking down Canadian Kuwardeep Manu just seconds into their round-of-16 match. Kamara’s ascent continued as he smoothly moved past Mongolia’s Otgonbaataryn Byamba-Erdene in the quarter-finals, establishing himself as a fan favorite and a prominent figure in the championship.
The Semi-Final Challenge
However, in a tightly contested semi-final, Kamara lost a close split decision 4-1 to Kazakhstan’s Torekhan Sabyrkhan, a result he believes denied him a fair chance at vying for the world title. After receiving his award from boxing icon Gennadiy Golovkin, Kamara shared an emotional message with his supporters and the people of Liverpool, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support during the competition.
“This week has taught me the true meaning of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’” he said. “Although I feel I was robbed of world gold, this experience has been life-changing for me.”
The Rising Star and His Roots
Kamara, who honed his skills at Salisbury ABC and has progressively climbed the ranks within GB Boxing, also took a moment to recognize the pivotal role of his coaches and mentors. He praised Chris Bower and his local club, while also giving special thanks to martial arts coach Alfie Lewis. Reflecting on his inspiring journey from a kid in Wavertree to competing on a global platform, Kamara said:
“This is proof that anything is possible. Your support means the world to me, and I promise to return stronger and sharper than before.”
Looking Ahead
Only a year prior, Kamara captured the 71kg title at the 2024 World Boxing Cup finals in Sheffield, where he claimed victory over Japan’s Sewon Okazawa. With the Olympics on the horizon and suggestions of a transition to professional boxing gaining momentum, the Liverpool native is poised to lead British boxing into a promising future.
Kamara represents more than just talent; he symbolizes a movement within the sport, echoing the legacy of fan-favorite Amir Khan during his early career. With an intriguing combination of raw power, emerging skill, and pride in his Liverpool roots, Kamara is potentially on the path to becoming a household name well before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. By then, at 24 years old, he could very well make a significant switch to the pro ranks, establishing himself as a coveted middleweight champion.
For now, one thing is clear: Odel Kamara, ‘The Hurricane,’ is making his mark in the boxing world, and as he pushes forward into his future, the sport should indeed prepare for the impact he is bound to create.
