Matchroom Boxing has won the fierce race for one of Britain’s most coveted amateur talents, signing Odel Kamara to a professional promotional contract. The deal, announced Monday, August 17, 2026, sees the decorated 22-year-old from Liverpool officially turn pro under the banner of promoter Eddie Hearn.
Kamara, a slick super welterweight, will have his fights broadcast globally on DAZN. After an amateur career that saw him capture seven national titles and international gold, he now joins a professional stable with the goal of reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
Why Matchroom Boxing signs the sport’s top prospects
The signing is a significant statement from Matchroom, which reportedly beat out numerous rival promoters for Kamara’s signature. Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn did not mince words about his high expectations for the young fighter, immediately branding him a star in the making.
“Kamara is one of the future faces of British boxing,” Hearn stated. “This kid has got it all: he has got the looks, the personality, the power, and, above all, he can really fight.” This kind of investment in top-tier prospects is crucial for promotional giants looking to build their next generation of pay-per-view stars, with promoters often securing high-value talent with lucrative, long-term deals.
Kamara’s advisor, Sam Jones, confirmed the intense interest in his client. “There’s no secret every manager and promoter in the world wanted Odel,” Jones said. He noted that Matchroom’s intentions were “very clear from the off” and were reflected in the strength of their offer.
For Kamara, the choice was clear after meeting with the promotional outfit’s leadership. “I met with Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith and I knew straight away that Matchroom Boxing was the place for me,” Kamara explained. “My attention was firmly on who I thought was best to guide me to the very top of this sport.”
Forged in Liverpool’s toughest gyms
Kamara’s journey to the professional ranks began at the famous Salisbury Amateur Boxing Club in Liverpool. Affectionately known as “The Solly,” the inner-city gym has a storied history of producing elite fighters, including 16 Senior ABA champions and multiple Olympians like David Price.
It was here that Kamara honed the skills that would lead him to dominate the domestic amateur scene. He captured an impressive seven national titles, culminating in the prestigious Senior Elite Championship. His success earned him a coveted spot on the GB Boxing programme in 2024.
This platform allowed him to train alongside other elite athletes at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. It provided the springboard for his impressive international campaigns, which saw him test his abilities against the best amateurs in the world.
A glittering amateur career
Kamara’s pedigree is undeniable, marked by a string of victories on the international circuit. The year 2024 was a breakout period for the Merseyside fighter. He first won gold at the Dacal Memorial World Cup in Spain before a statement victory at the World Boxing Cup Finals in Sheffield.
In that 71kg final, he put on a clinic to win a unanimous decision over Japan’s Sewon Okazawa. But perhaps his most significant amateur achievement came in 2025. Competing in the World Boxing Championships in his home city of Liverpool, Kamara secured a bronze medal.
His path to the podium included a remarkable performance against Canada’s Kuwardeep Manu, whom he floored just three seconds into the opening round on his way to a unanimous decision win. This blend of technical skill and explosive power is what makes him such an exciting prospect, joining a wave of other international standouts now making their professional transitions.
The path forward in the professional ranks
With the contract signed, attention now turns to Kamara’s professional debut, with news expected “imminently.” He will relocate to Essex to be trained by the legendary Tony Sims, who will be tasked with molding the amateur standout into a world-class professional.
The move from the amateur three-round format to the longer, more grueling pro fights is a significant challenge. However, Hearn is confident that Kamara has all the tools to make a seamless transition and become a major draw.
“This young man is going to bring some major nights to Liverpool and, believe me, he is going to light up the world’s stage before long,” Hearn predicted. The promise of big events in his hometown will undoubtedly galvanize the passionate Liverpool boxing fanbase, who are always eager for staging massive UK fights.
Kamara himself is embracing the pressure and has a clear message for the fans. “Expect fireworks because I want to give the fans value for money every time I’m in the ring,” he promised. It’s a bold declaration from a young fighter ready to make his mark.
Superstar ambitions on a global stage
The partnership with Matchroom and its broadcast partner DAZN provides Kamara with a massive global platform from day one. In February 2026, the two companies extended their broadcast deal through 2031, ensuring Matchroom’s fighters are showcased in key markets like the UK and US.
This structure is designed to build fighters into household names, a goal Kamara openly shares. “I want to become a superstar in the sport and I know I’m in the right place and the right platform with DAZN to do just that,” he said.
His advisor, Sam Jones, who also manages heavyweight contender Joe Joyce, echoed this belief. “Odel is superstar in the making that I truly believe will go mainstream,” Jones commented. “The journey starts now.”
For now, the boxing world watches and waits for the announcement of his first opponent. The hype is significant, but it was earned through years of dedication in the amateur code. The question now is how quickly this blue-chip prospect can translate that success into professional glory.
