India’s journey at the World Boxing Cup 2025 got off to a shaky start as Lakshya Chahar, the reigning national light heavyweight champion, faced a resounding defeat against Brazil’s Wanderley Pereira in the 80kg bout.
Pereira, a silver medallist at the 2023 World Championships and a Paris Olympian, proved to be an overwhelming opponent, scoring near-perfect marks.
Chahar’s loss comes at a crucial juncture as the tournament is the first major international event after World Boxing gained provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee in February 2025. This competition not only aligns with the preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics but also tests boxers under the newly introduced weight categories.
Despite this setback, hope remains for India as three other boxers—Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50kg), Nikhil Dubey (75kg), and Jugnoo (85kg)—are slated to compete on day two. They will face tough opponents from Great Britain, Brazil, and France.
With the stakes high, Indian boxers aim to make their mark on the global stage, setting the tone for the future of Indian boxing.
