All eyes will be on Goan boxer Prahlad Panda this Saturday night as he steps into the ring for a high-stakes national championship fight. The featherweight title bout against Vinod Vanteddu is more than just a personal challenge for Panda; its outcome could significantly influence the trajectory of professional boxing in the coastal state.
From Amateur Rounds to Professional Dreams
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Panda expressed his hope that his journey would motivate others in Goa to consider professional boxing. He highlighted the stark differences between the amateur and professional circuits. "Professional boxing is completely different," Panda explained. "It demands greater fitness and refined skills because bouts can last from four to twelve rounds. Our training, therefore, intensely focuses on building that endurance and technical prowess."
Panda is part of a pioneering group of four Goan boxers who have transitioned from the amateur ranks to the paid professional code. Alongside fellow boxer Kailas Gauns, Panda will showcase his skills at the Susegado Strike – Fight Night 4 (anniversary edition) at the International Centre Goa in Dona Paula. The event begins at 6:30 PM on Saturday.
Building a Sustainable Boxing Ecosystem in Goa
Both Panda and Gauns are contracted with the promotional outfit Susegado Strike. Their fight purses, as per their contracts, range between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 80,000. Each fighter has secured four victories so far and is now vying for the prestigious national crown.
However, the organizers emphasize that their support extends far beyond financial compensation. "We take comprehensive care of our boxers, providing training facilities, access to sports psychologists, physiotherapy, and nutritionists," stated Clyde Lobo, a co-founder of Susegado Strike and a former boxer and secretary of the Goa Amateur Boxing Association. "We ensure they have every resource needed to progress. In return, we expect professionalism."
Lobo's unique perspective allows him to understand both sides of the sport. While the honour of representing state and country in amateur boxing is priceless, the financial lure of professional boxing is powerful, especially for athletes from challenging backgrounds.
Panda pointed out the limited competitive pathway at the amateur level. "Opportunities are scarce—there's the state championship and then the Nationals if you win. A boxer cannot truly develop with so few tournaments, and Goa has a lot of untapped talent," he remarked.
A Vision for Goan Pugilists
Prathamesh Naik, another co-founder, outlined the organization's mission to create a sustainable professional boxing ecosystem in Goa. "Susegado Strike was founded on the belief that local fighters deserve consistent opportunities to compete professionally and gain national recognition," Naik said. Their ambitious goal is to expand the pool of professional boxers from Goa to at least 25 within the next two years.
Co-founder Luigson Fernandes cited Panda and Gauns as prime examples of how structured opportunities can help local talent flourish on a bigger stage.
The Saturday fight card promises thrilling action, featuring two major IBC National Title fights. The headline event will see Panda and Gauns battle it out over 10 rounds for the championship. In another title clash, Midhun A will take on Mohammed Dilshad in a 10-round middleweight contest.
