PANAJI
Known for its beaches, nightlife and cultural vibrancy, Goa is now carving a niche as a destination for high-profile sporting events, with big-ticket boxing taking centre stage in recent months.
The debut of professional boxing in the state in December last year, courtesy of Susegado Strike, and a second edition of its Fight Night scheduled to be held later this month, marks a significant new chapter in its journey.
In its debut edition, Susegado Strike’s Fight Night debuted at the International Centre Goa with 12 top Indian boxers. Its sequel, Susegado Strike 2.0, ups the ante with 16 fighters, including three from Goa. With electrifying punches and knockouts, the event cements Goa’s rise as a hub for pro boxing and major sporting showdowns, featuring both male and female fighters.
“Boxing is about contrasts “ strength and serenity, much like Goa itself,” said Luigson Fernandes, founder of Susegado Strike. “Through this event, we honour the art of boxing while embracing Goa’s unique ethos. We’re cultivating champions in the ring and warriors in life.”
For aspiring boxers, the event is more than entertainment. It is inspirational. “This is just the beginning. We are pioneers in professional boxing in Goa, and future generations will reap the rewards,” according to Pralhad Panda, a 29-year-old boxer from Mapusa, who won his fight at the debut event of Susegado Strike with a technical knockout. In Susegado Strike Fight Night 2.0, Panda will feature in an Indian Boxing Council championship title bout, the first such high-profile ring encounter to be held in Goa.
Boxing coaches like Praveen Shirodkar, are always on the lookout for the next big boxer in Goa. "To become a boxer, an individual needs to have guts, then gloves and then glory. These three words define the qualities an individual needs to become a boxer," said the Sports Association of Goa coach.
How does he spot a good boxer? "Depending on his aggression and his hunger to succeed in boxing," Shirodkar adds.
Clyde Lobo, a former national championship fighter from Goa, too believes that Goan boxers have the grit and ability to compete on a bigger stage. "Indian boxers, including those from Goa, have the grit and skill to be able to compete on the national and international stage. They are motivated and train hard. We look forward to seeing boxers step up and showcase that skill and passion in the ring," said Clyde Lobo, who founded Susegado Strike, along with Luigson Fernandes and Prathamesh Naik.
