Liverpool’s Callum Makin Sets Sights on Olympic Qualification at 80kg and Boxing Legacy
Callum Makin, a promising British boxer from Liverpool, is preparing for a critical phase in his career as he aims to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. At 22 years old, Makin has already achieved notable success, securing bronze medals at the 2025 World Boxing Championships held in his hometown and at the 2026 European Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. Both medals came in the 75kg middleweight division, a category that will no longer be contested at the Olympics, presenting a new challenge for the young athlete.
The International Olympic Committee recently approved a revised boxing weight class structure for Los Angeles 2028, which excludes the 75kg division. Instead, the men’s categories will include 70kg and 80kg divisions, among others. This change means Makin must decide whether to drop down to 70kg or move up to 80kg to pursue Olympic qualification. The qualification journey officially begins with the 2027 World Boxing Championships in Kazakhstan, followed by several continental and world qualifying events.
Makin has publicly expressed a preference to move up to the 80kg weight class rather than cut weight to 70kg. He has cited the physical and mental strain involved in dropping weight and believes that competing at 80kg will allow him to maintain his performance levels. While the jump from 75kg to 80kg is significant, Makin is confident that with the right support and training, he can adapt to the higher weight class and remain competitive.
His recent career highlights underline his potential. At the 2025 World Championships in Liverpool, Makin earned a bronze medal after a semi-final loss to Bulgaria’s Rami Kiwan. Following that tournament, he underwent shoulder surgery and was sidelined for approximately nine months. He made a successful return to competition in June 2026 at the Czech Grand Prix, competing again at 75kg. Later in 2026, he secured another bronze medal at the European Championships in Sofia, narrowly losing his semi-final bout to Azerbaijan’s Saidjamshid Jafarov by a 4-1 split decision.
Makin’s immediate focus is on the Olympic qualification events beginning in 2027. While his intention to compete at 80kg is clear, it remains a stated preference rather than a finalized decision. The qualification pathway offers multiple opportunities, including the World Championships and continental qualifiers, to secure a spot at LA28.
Beyond the Olympics, Makin harbours ambitions to transition into a professional career and become a world champion. He has expressed a strong desire to stage a major fight in Liverpool, a city with a rich boxing heritage that has produced numerous champions. Makin is motivated by the passionate support of Liverpool’s sports fans and hopes to add his name to the city’s proud legacy.
As he prepares for the challenges ahead, Makin’s blend of international experience, resilience following injury, and clear career vision mark him as one of Britain’s most promising boxing talents. The coming years will be pivotal as he adapts to a new weight class and pursues his Olympic dream, while aiming to build a lasting legacy in the sport.