Damar Thomas unfazed by Anthony Joshua comparisons as Commonwealth Games gold medallist chases 'own legacy' ahead of LA Olympics
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Damar Thomas wants to create his "own legacy" after being compared to former Team GB super-heavyweight stars following his triumph in Glasgow.
The boxer followed in the footsteps of Joe Joyce, Frazer Clarke and Delicious Orie when he beat India's Narender Berwal via unanimous decision to win gold in the super-heavyweight category.
Standing at 6ft 6in, Thomas has earned inevitable comparisons with Anthony Joshua and represents one of the great hopes for the future of British heavyweight boxing.
The 21-year-old, who is targeting success at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, is unfazed by such comparisons and insists he is focused on his own development.
"Yeah, it's a great feeling [to win gold]. I managed to add my name to the British heavyweights that won the Commonwealth [gold]," he said.
"Hopefully in LA I'll be able to add my name to those great heavyweights that managed to get Olympic 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."
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Thomas demonstrated significant boxing IQ in his 5-0 victory over Berwal, marking his 11th consecutive win in a run that extends back to November.
"My main asset is my feet and my speed," Thomas said.
"That's what works for me with these heavyweights, because a lot of these heavyweights rely on one shot. I don't rely on that, so it's great."
While Thomas' main ambition for now is to remain amateur and win gold in LA, he has his sights set on becoming a professional after the games in 2028.
"First, I want to tick off that box with LA. I'm taking one tournament at a time," he added.
"It's a marathon, not a sprint. And I'm just taking everything at my own pace.
"The main goal is the Olympics. Until then, I'm thinking about Olympics and nothing else. But after the Olympics, I'll definitely turn professional."
Watch MVPW-06 in Birmingham, headlined by Mikaela Mayer vs Chantelle Cameron and with Caroline Dubois also in action, live on August 29 on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.
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13 of August 2026
