The Indian boxing contingent made a powerful statement on the opening day of the World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool, clinching three victories out of four bouts to set the tone for what promises to be a competitive campaign.
While debutant Harsh Chaudhary faced an early exit, Pawan Bartwal, Sakshi Chaudhary, and Thokchom Sanamacha Chanu delivered strong performances to move into the next round. With a 20-member squad representing the tricolor at this inaugural edition organized by the newly formed World Boxing governing body, India’s start highlighted both promise and resilience.
Pawan Bartwal Edges Olympic Boxer in a Thriller
India’s campaign began with a nail-biting contest in the men’s 55kg category, where Pawan Bartwal faced off against Brazil’s Michael Douglas Trindade, a Paris 2024 Olympian. Bartwal, known for his aggressive style, started brightly and impressed the judges with sharp combinations in the opening round. Trindade, however, fought back in the second, using his experience to level the scores. With the contest evenly poised heading into the decisive third round, it came down to composure under pressure.
Bartwal showed remarkable discipline, landing clean punches while keeping his defence intact. His ability to control distance and prevent Trindade from executing his inside game ultimately swayed the judges in his favour.
The result: a 3-2 split decision victory for the Indian, which not only gave India a winning start but also served as a major confidence boost. Bartwal’s next challenge is a formidable one former world champion Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov of Uzbekistan, a bout that will test his skill and temperament to the fullest.
Sakshi Chaudhary Dominates With RSC Win
If Bartwal’s win was hard-fought, Sakshi Chaudhary’s performance in the women’s 54kg category was emphatic. Facing Ukraine’s Viktoriia Shkeul, Sakshi took control of the contest from the very first bell. She dominated the opening round, earning a unanimous 5-0 verdict with her aggressive yet composed boxing. In the second round, her relentless pressure forced the referee to step in and halt the contest handing Sakshi a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) victory.
This dominant win underlined why Sakshi is regarded as one of India’s brightest prospects in women’s boxing. However, her next opponent represents a significant step up Hatice Akbaş of Turkey, the silver medallist at the Paris Olympics. The Round of 16 clash is expected to be one of the most anticipated bouts of the early rounds, pitting India’s rising star against an established international contender.
Sanamacha Chanu Battles Past Danish Opponent
India’s third victory of the day came courtesy of Thokchom Sanamacha Chanu in the women’s 70kg category. Taking on Denmark’s Ditte Frostholm, Chanu showed resilience and tactical awareness to secure a 4-1 split decision win. The bout was a test of stamina and control, with Chanu absorbing early pressure from her taller opponent. By the second round, she adjusted her approach, closing the distance and using combinations to disrupt Frostholm’s rhythm. The judges awarded her the bout convincingly, reflecting her ability to adapt mid-fight a critical skill in tournament boxing.
For Chanu, a former Youth World Champion, this victory marks an important step in her transition to senior-level success.
Harsh Chaudhary Falls in Men’s 90kg
The only setback for India came in the men’s 90kg division, where Harsh Chaudhary faced Poland’s Adam Tutak. Making his World Championship debut, Harsh struggled to find his footing against a physically stronger opponent. Despite a brave effort in the first round, the referee stopped the contest in the second after Harsh absorbed sustained pressure. While the loss was disappointing, it also reflected the steep learning curve that awaits India’s younger heavyweights on the world stage.
At the end of Day 1, India finished with three wins out of four bouts, a result that bodes well for the remaining campaign. With 20 boxers in action across categories, the Indian contingent is among the largest at the tournament, underlining the nation’s growing ambitions in world boxing.
The victories also highlight a balance of youth and experience:
- Bartwal’s gritty win showed India’s ability to compete with seasoned Olympians.
- Sakshi’s RSC triumph showcased the next generation’s fearlessness.
- Chanu’s tactical victory reflected maturity and adaptability.
The coming days will see more Indians take to the ring, with several medal hopefuls, including Olympians and national champions, yet to make their debut.
This edition of the World Boxing Championships holds particular significance. Organized by the new international federation World Boxing, it marks a fresh chapter for the sport following years of administrative turbulence. For India, performing strongly here is not only about medals but also about staking a claim as a global powerhouse in boxing especially in the lead-up to future Olympic cycles.
The opening day’s results have set the right tone. While sterner tests await from Olympic medallists to reigning world champions India’s boxers have shown they are ready to compete with the best.
Three wins, one loss India’s Day 1 at the World Boxing Championships 2025 was a story of promise, dominance, and resilience. Pawan Bartwal’s split-decision thriller, Sakshi Chaudhary’s commanding RSC victory, and Sanamacha Chanu’s hard-fought triumph ensured the tricolor was well represented in the winner’s circle in Liverpool.
With tougher bouts on the horizon, the real tests are yet to come. But if Day 1 is any indication, India’s boxers are prepared not just to participate but to challenge the world’s elite.
