Thomas Rejects Joshua Comparisons Ahead Of LA Olympics

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Damar Thomas is building toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on his own terms, dismissing comparisons to Anthony Joshua and other British heavyweight Olympic champions.

The 21-year-old super-heavyweight captured gold in Glasgow earlier this month, beating India's Narender Berwal by unanimous decision in a performance Sky Sports described as tactically sharp. At 6ft 6in, Thomas joins a lineage that includes Joyce, Clarke, and Orie as British Commonwealth champions in the division, but he told Sky Sports he's not measuring himself against predecessors.

Thomas Building Own Legacy Ahead Of 2028 Games

"I'm just in my own race at the minute and taking it in my own strides," Thomas said. "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 victory over Berwal marked Thomas' 11th consecutive win dating to November. He credited his movement and speed as his primary weapons against heavier-handed opponents who hunt for single power shots. Thomas described his approach as relying on footwork rather than one-punch knockouts, a style that carried him to a shutout 5-0 scorecard in the final.

Thomas plans to remain amateur through the LA Games before turning professional. He called the Olympic cycle a marathon and said he's taking one tournament at a time. The pro ranks will wait until after 2028, when he aims to add his name to the list of British Olympic heavyweight gold medalists that includes Joshua, Joyce, and others who converted amateur success into world-level professional careers.

Source: skysports.com