Hitesh Gulia became first Indian boxer to win Men’s 70 kg Gold Medal at World Boxing Cup 2025 held in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. This monumental victory for India’s boxing fraternity sets stage for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Key Highlights
Historic Gold Medal:
- Hitesh Gulia, competing in welterweight category (Men’s 70 kg), fought from red corner and defeated Odel Kamara of England in the final.
- Gulia showcased outstanding skill, speed, and resilience throughout the tournament, cementing his status as a trailblazer in Indian boxing.
Additional Indian Medalists at World Boxing Cup 2025:
- Abhinash Jamwal: Silver Medal in the Men’s 65 kg category, after a hard-fought battle, where he lost to Yuri Reis of Brazil by a nil-5 score in the final.
- Manish Rathore: Bronze Medal in the Men’s 55 kg category.
- Jadumani Singh Mandengbam: Bronze Medal in the Men’s 50 kg category.
- Sachin: Bronze Medal in the Men’s 60 kg category.
- Vishal: Bronze Medal in the Men’s 90 kg category.
Tournament Overview:
- Over 130 boxers from 19 different countries participated in this first edition of the World Boxing Cup for the year.
- Competitions were held across both men’s and women’s divisions; however, India was represented in all 10 men’s weight categories.
- The event in Brazil is one of the three World Boxing Cups scheduled for 2025, with upcoming meets in Kazakhstan (June–July) and India (November).
- Ranking points awarded at each event will determine the boxers qualifying for the season-ending World Boxing Cup Finals.