Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa’s professional boxing star Pralhad Panda made the state proud once again by successfully defending his Indian Boxing Council (IBC) West Zone featherweight title at the third edition of Susegado Strike Fight Night, held at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar. The 29-year-old from Bastora defeated Pune’s Amit Kumar in a gruelling eight-round contest via unanimous decision, cementing his place as Goa’s most successful professional boxer to date.
The night also saw another Goan triumph as Kailas Gauns of Chimbel edged out Mumbai’s Prasad Katnoor in the super flyweight category, bringing home the second win of the evening for the host state. Gauns, 30, won via a split decision after six closely-fought rounds.
“It’s an incredible feeling to win and defend my title in front of my home crowd. This is where I trained, this is where I belong,” said Panda after the fight, thanking his coaches and team for the discipline and motivation that helped him prepare for the match.
The event featured 12 professional boxers, including four women, and was attended by Bharatiya Janata Party state president Damodar Naik, who served as chief guest. He praised the organisers for creating a platform that elevates not just athletes, but also the sport itself in Goa.
“This isn’t just about boxing. It’s about empowering athletes, giving local talent a national stage, and bringing the community together. I am inspired by what I’ve seen here tonight,” Naik said.
Among the evening’s highlights was a dominant performance by Maninder Singh (22) from Punjab, who floored his opponent Bharany Velmurugan (30) of Pondicherry with a technical knockout in under three minutes of the first round in the men’s welterweight bout.
In the men’s heavyweight category, Ashish Ahlawat overcame an early knockdown to defeat Mumbai’s Taher Khuram in a tense four-round bout, winning by split decision.
The women’s matches were equally compelling. Pune’s Amruta Kale (25) earned a unanimous victory over 19-year-old Saanvi Gandhi from Chennai after six intense rounds in the women’s light flyweight division. Bengaluru’s Ramandeep Kaur (28) also emerged victorious by unanimous decision after going the distance against Punjab’s teenager Rupika Rani.
Susegado Strike co-founders Luigson Fernandes, Prathamesh Naik, and Clyde Lobo said the third edition was a resounding success and a step forward in creating a strong boxing ecosystem in Goa.
“Susegado Strike is all about giving boxers—especially from Goa—a fair chance to showcase their skills on a professional stage. We’re committed to elevating Indian boxing, and tonight was a testament to that mission,” Fernandes said.
Prathamesh Naik added, “Our goal is to build something sustainable and inclusive. We make it a point to include women fighters in every edition, and the results speak for themselves.”
Lobo echoed this sentiment, saying, “Every bout tonight was matched with care. Seeing Goans like Panda and Gauns rise again shows the level of talent here.”
IBC West Zone Commissioner Ajay Salvi described the event as one of the best professional boxing nights he has attended.
“This wasn’t just a boxing show—it was an experience. The quality of the fighters, the passion in the ring, and the crowd’s energy made this a standout event,” Salvi said.
During the event, Damodar Naik also felicitated para table tennis champion Lloyd Fernandes, India’s No. 1 in the Class 2 category. Fernandes, thrilled by the energy of the event, praised the organisers and boxers for delivering a night to remember.
“The atmosphere was electric, and the crowd truly rallied behind the fighters. Goa’s boxing future is in great hands,” Fernandes remarked.
As Susegado Strike gears up for its anniversary edition later this year, the resounding success of Fight Night 3 signals a promising future for professional boxing in Goa and beyond.
