Liverpool boxer Callum Makin states the entire experience of competing in a World Championships in his own city was ‘perfect’ from start to finish.
The 21-year-old picked up a bronze in the 75kg division at the recent event at the M&S Bank Arena, winning three fights on his way to the semi-final.
Makin admits as soon as Liverpool was announced as the host city, he was determined to be in attendance.
“It was everything it ever could be really, we aimed for the gold medal, but just fell short in the semi-final,” he said.
“The whole two week period and the camp building up to it was perfect, I couldn’t really complain about anything. It was a dream come true really.
“When I heard it was going to be in Liverpool, it took me back – I was like: ‘This has got me written all over it.’
“I wasn’t really in the picture until six weeks beforehand, but then I got a phone call more or less last minute to say there was a place there if I wanted to take it; I did, and it paid. It just shows, if you give someone a chance then you never know.
“I was training really hard anyway, and it seemed like everything was going into place.
“I was classed as a massive underdog going into the tournament, especially because I’d moved up a weight. I wasn’t really given a chance, but that pushed me more in terms of proving people wrong as well as doing well for myself. All of the hard work has paid off.
“I don’t know if I’ll take in how big a moment it is until I don’t box anymore. I was coming up against top fighters, so to put myself alongside them shows I can mix it at the higher level, and as long as I keep on improving, I don’t see why we can’t turn that bronze into a gold.”
Makin believes the support he received from within Liverpool helped him through some of his fights – and is grateful for the backing he got.
“Every time I walked into the ring, half of the city was there and all of the top names,” he added.
“I was taken away by it really, I was quite surprised by how many people had turned out to support me. It’ll always be something I’ll always be thankful for, I don’t think I would’ve done it without them.
“They pushed me when I needed to be pushed and encouraged me to keep on going. It was brilliant, and people are still going on about the event now, so it’ll always live with me.
“A lot of the boxers I look up to within the city were down there supporting me, so it was a pinch yourself moment.
“I dream of having the career that some of the big names have had, I’m just trying to make my own little way at the moment. It can only keep on inspiring me.”
While boxing was not Makin’s first combat sport as a youngster, it’s certainly the one that made him feel most at home.
“Me and my younger brother did kick boxing, but there was a boxing class on afterwards, so we stayed behind and did a little bit,” he explained.
“That was more of my stuff, more punching than kicking. I’ve not looked back really, it’s just been a continuous push to get better.
“It’s something that’s never felt like a hindrance to me, I’ve always enjoyed it. There’s never been a time when I’ve felt it’s not for me. I knew when I started, it was me, and I’ve never looked back since.”
On the back of the World Boxing Championships, Makin has his sights set on a few more big events over the next few years, starting in Glasgow in July.
“The next one is the Commonwealth games, so that’s the next big one,” he stated.
“I think we’ll get a big crowd down there, I think the family and people around me will come up to Glasgow so it’ll be a similar event. I’m fully focussed on it and excited about it – it can’t come quick enough.
“The year after that is when you start going into Olympic qualifiers, so we’ll take it one step at a time.
“Eventually I do want to turn professional, but these steps at the moment are vital – you’ve got to earn your stripes in this game and you can’t fake experience. When that time comes, I’ll be ready for it.”
