The World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool marks the dawn of a new era for Olympic boxing.
It is the first elite global tournament under World Boxing, the body that replaced the IBA after years of governance scandals. For India, the event is not only about medals but also about establishing itself in this transformed landscape. A 20-member squad has travelled to England, with the men’s contingent facing particularly challenging draws across weight categories.
As the action begins on September 4 at the M&S Bank Arena, here’s a detailed look at how the Indian male boxers stand heading into their campaigns.
The context of this championship cannot be overstated. With over 550 boxers from 65 countries and 17 Paris 2024 Olympic medallists in the fray, the tournament is arguably the toughest non-Olympic competition in boxing. India’s men’s team has had mixed fortunes in the World Boxing Cup circuit earlier this year, winning medals but often falling short in finals. Now, in Liverpool, they face the true test: converting promise into podiums.
Sachin Siwach (Men’s 60kg): The Unforgiving Quarter
For Sachin Siwach, the draw has offered no favors. The 60kg division is among the deepest at these championships, and Sachin finds himself in a quarter stacked with pedigree.
- Hasanboy Abdumalik Khalokov (Uzbekistan), the reigning Olympic champion, is the standout name. Known for his sharp counterpunching and stamina, Khalokov is considered the man to beat in this weight class.
- Biibars Zheksen(Kazakhstan), another dangerous opponent in the quarter, has a reputation for relentless pressure and has multiple podium finishes on the Asian circuit.
Sachin has the skillset to cause an upset, he has a a bronze at the World Boxing Cup Brazil in April, wherein he directly played in the Semifinals and lost. But for him to go deep here, he will need to fight with tactical precision from the opening round. Simply put, there will be no easy bouts.
Hitesh Gulia (Men’s 70kg): A Young Sensation Awaits
If there is one Indian boxer with momentum from earlier this year, it is Hitesh Gulia. The Haryana fighter won gold at the Brazil World Cup, albeit via a walkover in the final, and then added a silver at the Kazakhstan leg. That consistency makes him one of India’s best bets on paper.
But in Liverpool, Hitesh faces an early acid test. Standing in his way is Torekhan Sabyrkhan (Kazakhstan), one of the brightest young prospects in world boxing. Just 21, Sabyrkhan has already made waves on the international stage with his aggressive style and ability to overwhelm opponents with volume punching.
For Hitesh, the challenge will be to slow down the tempo, use his defensive discipline, and take the bout into the later rounds where his experience can play a bigger role. If he can pass this pre-quarter hurdle, the road ahead becomes slightly less daunting, but Sabyrkhan represents a formidable first mountain.
Abhinash Jamwal (Men’s 65kg): The Podium Blocker
Few Indian boxers have shown the consistency of Abhinash Jamwal in 2025. Silver medals at both Brazil and Kazakhstan underline his ability to reach finals, though the inability to convert them into gold raises questions about whether he can deliver on the biggest stage.
His Liverpool draw, however, offers no respite. To reach the podium, Abhinash will likely have to get past Lasha Guruli (Georgia), the bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Guruli combines rugged physicality with tactical nous, making him one of the toughest fighters in this division.
Jamwal will need to use his footwork and counterattacking to stay out of Guruli’s close-range exchanges. If he manages to spring an upset here, a medal is within sight. But it is clear: his toughest bout may come before the semi-finals.
Jadumani Singh (Men’s 48kg): A Tall Order in the Lightest Division
Jadumani Singh enters Liverpool with the confidence of a bronze at the Brazil World Cup earlier this year. But his quarterfinal bracket features none other than Sanzhar Tashkenbay (Kazakhstan), the 2021 World Champion.
Tashkenbay’s speed and accuracy make him an almost flawless fighter at 48kg. For Jadumani, the key will be to stay composed, avoid getting dragged into exchanges, and try to impose his own rhythm. It is a daunting ask, but such matchups are the reality of global championships. Even a close fight here could boost Jadumani’s reputation significantly.
Lakshay Chahar (Men’s 80kg): A Quarter of Death
Among all Indian male boxers, perhaps the toughest draw has fallen to Lakshay Chahar in the 80kg division. His quarter is a veritable “group of death,” featuring:
- Soheb Caesar (France), a seasoned European medallist with explosive combinations.
- Wanderley Pereira (Brazil), who beat Lakshay convincingly in the Brazil World Cup earlier this year.
- Iashaish Hussein (Jordan), a strong, experienced campaigner with Asian medals to his name.
Lakshay’s challenge is monumental. He will need to erase the memory of his one-sided loss to Pereira and bring a completely fresh approach. Improving his inside defense and being proactive rather than reactive will be essential. If he somehow navigates this quarter, it would count among the finest achievements of his career.
The Liverpool championships are not just about individual medals they are a litmus test for where Indian men’s boxing stands in the new global hierarchy. The women’s contingent has stolen the spotlight in recent years, winning golds in Kazakhstan and cementing India’s status as a rising powerhouse. By contrast, the men have often faltered at the final step.
For the likes of Sachin, Hitesh, and Abhinash, Liverpool represents a chance to prove they can convert silver and bronze into gold. For youngsters like Jadumani, it is about gaining invaluable experience against world champions. For Lakshay, it is about survival in the toughest quarter of the draw.
The draws have been harsh on Indian men’s boxers at the World Boxing Championships 2025. From Khalokov to Sabyrkhan, from Guruli to Tashkenbay, some of the finest names in the sport stand between them and the podium. But this is precisely what makes global championships meaningful.
If India can emerge with even one or two men’s medals in Liverpool, it will be a significant statement that the team is learning to thrive under pressure in the World Boxing era. For the boxers themselves, these are the bouts that define careers.
As the bell rings in Liverpool, the Indian contingent knows the road is unforgiving but also that great breakthroughs rarely come easy.
India’s Men’s First-Round Fixtures – World Boxing Championships 2025
- 50kg – Jadumani Mandengbam (India) vs S. Attrattivo (Italy)
- 55kg – P. Bartwal (India) vs M. Trindade (Brazil)
- 60kg – Sachin Siwach (India) vs S. Kitamoto (Japan)
- 65kg – Abhinash Jamwal (India) vs P. Mughalzai (England)
- 70kg – Hitesh Gulia (India) – Bye (advances to next round)
- 75kg – Sumit Sangwan (India) vs M. Al Hussein (Jordan)
- 80kg – Lakshay Chahar (India) – Bye (advances to next round)
- 85kg – Jugnoo Jugnoo (India) – Bye (advances to next round)
- 90kg – Harsh Choudhary (India) vs A. Tutak (Poland)
- +90kg – Narender Berwal (India) vs M. McDonagh (Ireland)
