Behind the Gloves: Derrick Osadolor’s Journey From Scholar To Boxing Champion

Before stepping into the professional heavyweight arena, Derrick Osadolor was a University of Portsmouth student balancing studies and boxing through our Sports Scholarship programme.

We caught up with Derrick to hear about how he first discovered boxing, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and what life looks like for him outside the ring. From injuries to national championships, and from training sessions to family support, Derrick’s story is an inspiring journey of passion, resilience, and determination.

How did you get into boxing? And what was the start like for you?

It was actually my mom who got me into boxing. I was quite misbehaved in school, so she thought the best thing would be for me to put my energy into something else. I also used it to help lose weight because I was a bit overweight when I was younger. So I guess it was two-in-one. I liked fighting and I was losing weight, so it was a win-win really.

I started in secondary school - I was about 13 or 14. I started with my good friend, but then in college, I stopped. For personal reasons, I just decided to focus on other things. But when I got to university, I thought, “Hang on a second, let me start again.” Then I started progressing more and more, and I thought, “Let me take this more seriously."

When was the moment you realised, “This is what I want to do professionally”?

I don’t think you ever sit there and just decide, “I want to be professional.” Boxing is tough - you’re either good enough to go further, or you’re not. At the end of the day, you have to think about your health too. Not everyone can go pro, not everyone gets the chances or opportunities.

For me, that moment was probably after the Southern Counties final. Someone came over to me and said, “Derrick, you’re going to be a superstar one day. Make sure you remember me.” After that, I thought, yeah, this is something I’m good at, why don’t I continue and actually strive to become better?

I think most athletes have that one moment that lights a fire in their heart. For me, that was the moment.

Derrick signs pro - the next big chapter!

After years of hard work as a Portsmouth Scholar and national champion, Derrick is making his professional debut. Read how this milestone came to life and what it means for his future in boxing.

Read the Full Story

How did the University of Portsmouth and your Sports Scholarship support your growth both academically and athletically?

They helped me a lot, honestly. Especially Rachel, Charlotte, and Paul - they really supported me.

With boxing, there’s so much effort, constant training, travelling, and on top of that, I was doing a degree in International Business, which was quite heavy. They made me a timetable for when I should be focusing on uni and when I should focus on boxing, and that really helped. Before I got into the Scholarship Programme, everything was all over the place, and I struggled with that. After I joined, life became much easier.

I had time for everything - physio, training, studies and social life. It was very beneficial. They gave me S&C, physio, and introduced me to people I still work with today in my pro team.

I used to get injured a lot, I was very injury-prone. They guided me in the right direction to avoid that. Before, you think you know best, but having experts with years of experience is so much better than just Googling what to do. I really benefited from that.

Was it ever hard to juggle your studies and training?

Yes, especially in my final year when I had to do my dissertation. It was heavy. I was in and out of the gym, not training as much as I should have been.

At the same time, I was thinking about entering the National Amateur Boxing Championship. So I spoke to my coaches, but something told me - and I’m a strong believer in God - to just go for it. So I entered, trained harder, and put some uni work aside. My mum probably shouldn’t hear that, but I needed to prepare for the NACs. Those few months of focusing really helped.

What was your go-to post-training meal when you were at uni?

Definitely Natty’s Chicken, I usually go for a Natty’s burger. They always sorted me out with big portions and drinks on the side. After a win, I’d celebrate with that. If I lost, I wouldn’t eat as a little punishment for myself. But yeah, a Natty’s meal was my go-to, and it still is even now.

What’s been your proudest moment so far (outside the ring)?

Graduating. Because of how much boxing I was doing, I didn’t have as much time for university as I should have. But I still managed to get a 2:1, which I’m proud of. Balancing both wasn’t easy, and I had a lot of help through my scholarship, but I did it.

Was there ever a time you considered quitting or doing something else?

I wouldn’t say quitting, because I don’t quit things in life - I just find different approaches. But I was disheartened when I injured my shoulder. I thought that was it, that it would keep dislocating and I wouldn’t be able to box again. That was probably my lowest point.

But I worked with my physios day and night, and after a few months I was back to winning.

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like training?

Definitely, my family. They’re my biggest supporters, and I feel like if I’m not giving my best, I’m letting them down. I know they work hard for me, and that's why I strive every day to work hard. I wake up early every morning and keep working hard to give them back. I love my family. My mum was the one who got me into boxing, so I’m proving her right.

Funny thing is, my mum can’t watch me fight. I’ve had over 30 fights and she hasn’t been to one. She only watches after, just to make sure I’m okay. But I don’t blame her - boxing isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Derrick is a really dedicated athlete. He’s determined to succeed, and I do not doubt that whatever he puts his mind to, he’ll achieve. He’s also such a lovely, likeable guy.

When people think about boxing, they often think of it as brutal, aggressive, and such a tough sport - and of course, it is. But Derrick is a gentle giant. He’s such a lovable, approachable character. Outside the ring and within the Scholar Programme, he’s a really popular member of the group. Whenever he walks into a room, there’s this positive energy that follows him. It’s hard not to smile when you’re talking to him.

As a student, balancing training with academics is never easy. There were definitely times when Derrick struggled with the demands of both, but he persevered and succeeded. He graduated, earning his degree, and simultaneously trained at the level required to become a national champion. That’s a huge testament to his dedication and character.

What makes his journey even more impressive is how quickly he’s achieved so much. It hasn’t been many years since he started boxing, and what he’s accomplished already is phenomenal. In his very first year as a student, he won BUCS gold. After that, it became harder for him to find fights because of his weight category and the level of experience of his opponents. There were times he trained so hard, only for opponents to pull out of fights.

Despite those challenges, he kept pushing forward. To go on and become a national champion at his age, with the experience he has, is just fantastic. He absolutely deserves everything coming his way.

I’m so excited to see him go pro. He’s buzzing about it, and he’s got such a strong support team and so many people rooting for him. I know he’ll smash it, and I can’t wait to watch his journey.

Rachel Robilliard

Senior Sports Performance & Partnerships Officer

TASS Delivery Site and Dual Career Co-ordinator

If you could fight anyone from history, who would it be and why?

Mike Tyson - 100%. I’d love to feel his power, see how explosive he is. As I said, I look up to him and would love to see him in live action. I want to see how it feels to get punched by him, to be honest - he’s just incredible.

I’d also say Lomachenko, just to experience his speed and perfect footwork.

Do you have any pre-fight rituals or superstitions?

Yes, I’ve got a playlist I always play before fights. I also wear the same socks and boxers I wore in my first knockout. Obviously, I wash them, but I wear them every time. I believe they bring me good luck.

My playlist always starts with P.I.M.P. by 50 Cent, then Eagle by D Block, and always Kanye West’s Stronger and Touch The Sky. My coaches are sick of it by now, but it gets me in the mood.

What was training at the Heart of Portsmouth like?

I like training at Heart of Portsmouth. I think it's definitely a family, very family-oriented. Everyone was nice there, everyone was good. You can trust all the coaches. Good connection, good chemistry. I think you can tell with the coaches that they're in it for you rather than for themself. They would go miles and miles and miles for us to have fights or even do sparring.
So I think that's why I respect them so much. And I’ll always show them a lot of love.

One word your coach would use to describe you?

Hardworking. I think I go a bit over the top sometimes with training - I’m always in the gym, I run when I can, and I train a lot - but I love it. I’ve been training since I was 14, and even if I wasn’t boxing, I’d still be in the gym. I also do PT on the side, so I’m always in the gym, always training.

What do you do to switch off from boxing?

Football. I love playing and watching it. If I wasn’t a boxer, I’d probably try to be a footballer - if I was good enough. I use that to switch off because there's no expectancy in football. I can play how I wanna play.

I shouldn’t really play anymore because of injury risks, but I still love it. I support Dortmund.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m a massive anime fan. Naruto, One Piece - I love them. Also, I was born in Germany. People always assume I was born in England because of my accent, but I lived in Germany for eight years. I’m fluent, though I’m losing it a bit now, but when I visit my family, I pick it back up quickly.

If you weren’t a boxer, what would you do?

Probably sales - I’m good at selling, whether it’s cars, property, anything. I could sell ice to an Eskimo!

Also, football - my brother was really good at football when we were younger, so I always wanted to be like him.

Don't quit. Just keep working hard. Don't listen to anyone. The good thing about boxing is that it's a very individual sport. So it's all about you. It's not about anyone else. Many people can say, “You're not good enough. You can't do this.” You use that as fuel and use it against them. Say “Yeah, I can do it”, and prove them wrong.

I've had a lot of people say things, and I proved them wrong each time. And now they are the ones who are congratulating me, saying, “Derrick, I never expected it”. That’s the best feeling.

Derrick Osadolor, Professional Heavywight Boxer and previous UOP Sport Scholar

Derrick’s journey shows the power of hard work, commitment, and the right support. From his first steps in the gym to becoming a national champion and now turning professional, he proves that with determination, anything is possible.

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or simply chasing your dreams, Derrick’s story is a source of inspiration. Follow his journey, get involved in sport or join our Boxing club. If you are a student-athlete on a national level, explore our Sports Scholarship programme to see how it could help you reach your potential, just like Derrick. His journey continues, and the best is still ahead!