Connor O’Neill reports from the M&S Bank Arena as Callum Makin fought Rami Kiwan in the World Boxing Championships
Callum Makin’s bid to win gold at the World Boxing Championships ended in heartbreak after he was beaten by Rami Kiwan. Makin headed into his Friday night 75kg division semi-final at the M&S Bank Arena having already secured himself a bronze medal.
But his bid to go all the way was ended in the final four as Kiwan, of Bulgaria, produced a clinical display in front of a boisterous Liverpool crowd. With home support behind him, Makin started the fight on the front foot, and although he managed to land a number of good shots, Kiwan won the first round 3-2.
However, in the second round, the 21-year-old was deducted a point, as all five judges scored the round in favour of Kiwan.
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To his credit, Makin pushed Kiwan all the way to the final bell, but it was the 25-year-old who moved into Sunday’s final via unanimous decision.
“I’m gutted, it was a tough fight and I knew it was going to be a tough fight going in, but a lot of experience was gained,” Makin said afterwards.
“He’s a top operator and I knew it was going to be a tough fight and I would have to dig deep.
“I can only build on this now and push on. This week has been one of the greatest weeks of my life and I am going to build on it now.
“Six or seven weeks ago I wasn’t even in the picture, and now I am on the podium at a world championship.
“I can only keep my head held high and learn from this. I’ve improved so much over the last eight weeks and I have shown where I can get to.”
And although plenty watching on felt Makin was unlucky to lose the first round and then suffer a point deduction in the second, he refused to complain afterwards.
“It is international boxing and you can’t complain,” he said. “You have just got to keep your head held high.
“You have got to take the rough with the smooth. Sometimes little decisions like that go for you – and sometimes they go against you – like they did for me.”
Makin was promoted to GB Boxing’s Podium Squad after impressing in the Academy group and he was a late selection to represent his country in his home city.
And the Rotunda ABC man admits he has created memories that will stay with him forever.
“This tournament has been unbelievable and for it to be in my home city is incredible,” he said.
“I have met legends. I have experienced the dream and I will never forget this. It is a memory of a lifetime and I am forever grateful.”
