Fight Night 4: Panda hopes to inspire more amateur boxers to turn pro

Panaji: Prahlad Panda will take to the ring on Saturday night, knowing that many eyes will be pinned on him. The Goan boxer takes on the might of Vinod Vanteddu in the featherweight national title bout, the result of which could have a bearing on the future of professional boxing in Goa.“I hope my journey inspires others to take to professional boxing,” Panda told TOI on Wednesday. “Professional boxing is completely different to amateur boxing. You need greater fitness and skills since the bouts last from four to 12 rounds. The focus during training is on fitness and skill development.”Panda is among the four Goan boxers who have made the switch from amateur to professional. Two of them -- Kailas Gauns being the other – will be seen in action at the Susegado Strike – Fight Night 4 (anniversary edition) at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula, on Saturday, 6.30pm onwards.Panda and Gauns are contracted with Susegado Strike, and depending on their contracts, earn anywhere between 15,000 and 80,000 for the bouts. The two have won four each so far and are now jostling for the national title.“It is not just the money that is on offer here. We take good care of the boxers, providing him facilities for training, sports psychologists, physiotherapy and nutritionist. We ensure that the boxers get whatever it takes to progress.

In return, all that we ask for is professionalism,” said co-founder Clyde Lobo.Lobo has been a former boxer and secretary of the Goa Amateur Boxing Association, so understands both sides. The thrill of representing the state, country, and winning a medal, is priceless for amateur boxers. But since boxers come from difficult backgrounds, the lure of money is hard to ignore.“At the amateur level, we do not get enough opportunities. There is the state championship and if you win, you get to play at the Nationals.

There is nothing else. A boxer cannot develop with such few tournaments. There are lot of talented boxers in Goa,” said Panda.Co-founder Prathamesh Naik said Susegado Strike’s mission is to build a sustainable professional boxing ecosystem in Goa.“The organisation was founded with the belief that local fighters deserve consistent opportunities to compete professionally and gain national exposure,” said Naik.

“Our long-term vision is to increase the pool of professional boxers from Goa to at least 25 within the next two years.”Luigson Fernandes, another co-founder, said the two Goan professional boxers are prime examples of how structured opportunities can help local talent flourish.Saturday night will feature two major IBC National Title fights with Panda and Gauns jostling for the title in a 10-round battle. Another championship clash will see Midhun A face Mohammed Dilshad over 10 rounds in the middleweight category.