28 June 2025, Goa – The air inside the bustling banquet hall of Clube Gaspar Dias crackled with anticipation as local hero Pralhad Panda (Mapusa, Goa) stepped into the ring to defend his IBC West Zone Title against challenger Amit Kumar (Pune, Maharashtra). In an electrifying eight-round contest promoted by Susegado Strike, Panda delivered a masterful performance, securing a unanimous decision victory and firmly cementing his status as a formidable force in the Indian boxing scene. The tight-knit crowd of over 300 passionate fans, who had been cheering enthusiastically through the last five bouts of the evening, roared their approval for their hometown hero.
Panda, with a fight record of 4 wins and 2 losses, weighed in at a lean 57.1 kg. His challenger, Amit Kumar, mirrored him almost identically at 57.0 kg, bringing a record of 3 wins and 3 losses into the bout. Both fighters made weight without issue, setting the stage for a fair and fiercely contested championship.
Pralhad Panda’s two career losses had come early in his journey – his professional debut in Mumbai in 2021 and a narrow defeat to current India No. 1 Keisham Luckyson Singh in Delhi. These close contests had only sharpened his resolve. His last outing saw him claim the IBC West Zone title with a stunning first-round knockout of DN Sai Havish at ICG Donapaula in February 2024, a powerful hook sending Havish crashing to the canvas and astonishing the crowd.
Amit Kumar, on the other hand, had faced his own early setbacks, suffering two losses to Mumbai’s Adil Rajesh in his first two professional fights in 2023. However, he entered this championship bout on the back of a convincing unanimous decision victory over six rounds against the very same DN Sai Havish in Pune just last month, showcasing his resilience and improvement. This recent victory against a common opponent added an intriguing layer of anticipation to the West Zone title clash.
The Fight Unfolds: Panda's Dominant Performance
From the opening bell of Round 1, both boxers traded punches with intent. Kumar, noticeably faster and slicker, danced on his toes, looking to counter. However, Panda’s punches carried significantly more thud, and he relentlessly pursued Kumar, applying constant pressure and forcing his opponent to retreat.
Round 2 saw the intensity escalate. Kumar adopted a more open guard, clearly aiming to exploit counter-punching opportunities. Yet, Panda’s heavy shots continued to land with alarming frequency. While some of Kumar’s counters found their mark, the rhythm of the fight frequently devolved into clinches and holding, as Kumar, visibly tiring early in the eight-round contest, resorted to wrestling tactics to mitigate Panda’s assault.
The momentum unequivocally shifted in Round 3, which was completely dominated by Panda. Kumar found himself repeatedly pinned against the ropes, absorbing a barrage of punches. At several points, the action was so one-sided that referee Tejas Patekar hovered closely, ready to intervene. Astonishingly, Kumar dug deep and fought back at crucial moments, preventing a stoppage, but the round was a clear and decisive win for Panda.
Rounds 4 and 5 continued the narrative of Panda’s relentless domination. The bout maintained its trajectory, with Panda dictating the pace and landing the more significant blows. While Kumar showed a flicker more energy in the fifth round, it was not nearly enough to sway the judges’ opinions.
Round 6 proved to be another huge round for the champion. Panda relentlessly picked Kumar apart, displaying a clinic in controlled aggression. Towards the end of the round, Panda unleashed a powerful rally, trapping Kumar in his corner. Referee Tejas Patekar again moved in close, anticipating a potential stoppage. A few more clean punches might have ended the contest then and there, but Kumar, against the odds, survived the onslaught.
Rounds 7 and 8 mirrored the earlier rounds, with Panda maintaining his authority and controlling the tempo of the fight, leaving no doubt as to the outcome.
Unanimous Victory: Panda Retains West Zone Belt
When the final bell sounded, there was little suspense. Pralhad Panda was declared the winner by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the bout 80-72, 80-72, and 79-73, a testament to his comprehensive victory.
With this commanding performance, Panda successfully retained his IBC West Zone title. He is now undeniably a serious contender for the coveted India title. The question on everyone’s minds: is there a promoter ready to put him up against his previous nemesis, Keisham Luckyson Singh, for the undisputed India Championship?
The event itself was a resounding success, held in the intimate setting of Clube Gaspar Dias’s banquet hall, it was a testament to the efforts of Susegado Strike, spearheaded by Prathamesh Naik, Clyde Lobo, and Luis Fernandez.
“We are incredibly happy with the turnout for the show and the quality of boxing we were able to bring to the people of Goa right here at Clube Gaspar Dias,” remarked Prathamesh Naik. “This was our third edition, and it was undoubtedly a very successful one. The energy from the crowd was phenomenal, and it truly showcases the growing passion for professional boxing here.”
Brig PKM Raja, President of the IBC, echoed the sentiment of growth and pride. “We needed the professional show culture to develop in this part of the world, and for Pralhad to retain his title, and to be crowned a champion in front of his home crowd is a true honor. We are looking forward to more participation from the entire state. Going eight rounds is a huge challenge physically and mentally as well, and we are very happy to see Goa support its own.”
Pralhad Panda’s victory is more than just a title retention; it’s a statement of intent, signaling his readiness to challenge for the highest honors in Indian professional boxing.
