India's start at the World Boxing Cup was disappointing as Lakshy Chahar lost his first bout in the 80kg category. The current national light heavyweight champion, Lakshy Chahar, was defeated by Brazil's Wanderlei Pereira, the host nation's boxer, in the pre-quarterfinals with a score of 5-0.
Sports News: India's campaign at the World Boxing Cup 2025 began on a disappointing note. In the first match of the 80kg weight category, India's current national light heavyweight champion, Lakshy Chahar, faced defeat against experienced Brazilian boxer Wanderlei Pereira. In the pre-quarterfinal, Pereira, a Paris Olympian and silver medalist at the 2023 World Championships, defeated Chahar unanimously by a score of 5-0.
The bout proved to be extremely challenging for Chahar. All but one judge awarded the Brazilian boxer 30 points. Pereira secured 149 points out of 150, while Chahar managed only 135.
Hopes Rest on Other Indian Boxers
Following Lakshy Chahar's elimination, India's hopes now rest on other boxers. Jadumani Singh M (50kg), Nikhil Dubey (75kg), and Jugnu (85kg) will compete on the second day. Jadumani will face last year's World Boxing Cup runner-up, Alice Traubridge of Great Britain. Nikhil will compete against Brazil's Kau Bellini, while Jugnu will face Abdoulaye T of France.
New Weight Categories, New Challenges
The World Boxing Cup 2025 is the first tournament organized by World Boxing. This competition uses new weight categories for the first time. World Boxing received recognition from the International Olympic Committee in February this year. This is the first time since the Paris Olympics that India's elite boxers are participating in this new structure.
