Derrick Osadolor adds the Super Heavy Weight Elite Champion belt to his collection
University of Portsmouth student and Sports Scholar Derrick Osadolor became National Amateur Boxing Champion (over 92kg) at the weekend.
After making it through two previous qualifying events, Derrick was representing the southern counties and the Heart of Portsmouth boxing club where he trains. Derrick was competing against Mathew Williams from Midland Counties, who had previously beaten Derrick in a previous matchup, setting up a great fight as the top two amateurs over 92kg in the country.
The England Boxing National Amateur Championships (NACs), formerly known as the Elites and the ABAs is the oldest and most prestigious amateur boxing competition in the country dating back to 1881. As National Champion, Derrick joins some esteemed company with household names such as Frank Bruno, Ricky Hatton, Carl Froch, Tony Bellew, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Nicola Adams, Savannah Marshall, Natasha Jonas and Karriss Artingstall as former winners of a coveted national title belt.
Impressively, Derrick won his bout with a knockout in the first round with 34 seconds left on the clock. Derrick has now qualified to represent England in the GB Elite Three Nations series in June which will look to crown an overall Champion for the UK. He will also have an assessment with GB Boxing which will be a huge step towards progressing his boxing career further.
I feel great, it’s a massive achievement. It feels like a lot of the sacrifices I made were all worth it, training 3 times a day and getting up very early every day. I’ve always wanted the chance to represent England and I finally have it so I’m just very grateful, especially for the team around me who have supported me all the way. Originally, I wasn’t meant to enter the competition because I had so much work to do, especially being in my final year.
Derrick, who only started boxing competitively as a university student, has been supported through the University’s partnership with community boxing Club Heart of Portsmouth. The partnership means Derrick has access to elite-level coaching with Head Coach Q Shillingford, who has supported both Derrick and the University boxing club as a whole to create pathways for students to reach their potential.
Excited about the future, Derrick said: “I feel great, it’s a massive achievement. It feels like a lot of the sacrifices I made were all worth it, training 3 times a day and getting up very early every day. I’ve always wanted the chance to represent England and I finally have it so I’m just very grateful, especially for the team around me who have supported me all the way. Originally, I wasn’t meant to enter the competition because I had so much work to do, especially being in my final year.”
The University of Portsmouth Sports Scholarship scheme has developed some amazing talent throughout the years and it continues to support Lauren Steadman, Gold Medallist in the Paratriathlon from Tokyo 2020 who is looking to defend her title in Paris this summer. The scheme offers a range of support including financial bursaries, access to strength and conditioning, physio support as well as academic support and flexibility.
The University of Portsmouth is a TASS Delivery site with Dual Career accreditation which supports athletes in achieving academically and within their sport. TASS is a Sport England funded partnership between talented athletes, delivery sites and national governing bodies, who work together to bring the best out of the country's most exciting young talent. The Dual Career accreditation highlights our dedication to providing an environment where talented athletes can meet their academic and sporting potential.
Applications for sports scholarships are currently open for the 2024-25 academic year. Find out more information about Sport Scholarships at the University of Portsmouth.