The Punch Boxing Fight Night in association with t2 was an exciting experience for boxing enthusiasts across the city. Held at The Lalit Great Eastern, on August 26, it saw eight rounds of intense and jaw-dropping fights in different categories with boxing champions like Harsh Gill, Nutlai Lalbiakkima, and Vijendra Kumar among the top performers. The 10th edition of The Punch, held in the city for the first time, aimed at boosting the professional participation of boxers from across the state. The event was attended by boxing enthusiasts, and the deputy consul general of Japan, Yamasaki Matsutaro, among others. It was followed by a lavish buffet at the heritage hotel.
Arif Khan, founder of the Punch Boxing, was ecstatic to bring the 10th edition of Punch Boxing to Calcutta. He said, "Professional boxing is the biggest and most revenue-generating sport in the world. We have created this platform to bring amateur boxers to the professional front. The aim was to connect professional boxing with Indian champions. Calcutta has a great sports culture and this event will open the door for Calcutta fighters to join professional boxing. We hope to get regular fight nights in the city."
Vijendra Kumar and Samuel J. faced each other in the light heavyweight category. After an intense fight Vijendra was declared the winner
Harsh Gill and Md. Danish Alam showed some great moves in the Cruiserweight category. A five-time national medalist from Haryana, Gill clinched the winner's spot.
(l-r) Harsh Gill, Yamasaki Matsutaro
Looking still supercharged post the match, Gill said: “I am an Asian gold medalist. I used to be an amateur boxer and then I started my professional career with Punch Boxing, and we grew together. I have received immense support. My diet and entire coaching are supervised by my coach Rajiv Godara and the founder, Arif Khan. For young boxers, my message is to follow the family and coach’s guidance, focus on yourself, your diet and training.”
Yamasaki Matsutaro, deputy consul general, Japanese consulate, enjoyed all the fights thoroughly. He said, "This is my first time watching a boxing game and I had no idea that India has a vibrant boxing community like this. I hope that there will be boxing matches between Indian and Japanese players in the future."