In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, Indian boxer Abhinash Jamwal triumphed over Italy's Gianluigi Malanga to secure his place in the men’s 65kg final at the World Boxing Cup Brazil 2025. Held in Foz Do Iguacu, this event gathered over 130 participants from 19 countries, including Olympians. The competition featured both male and female categories, though India only competed in the ten men's weight classes. Another notable achievement came from Hitesh, who became the first Indian to reach the finals after defeating French Olympian Makan Traore in the 70kg category. Meanwhile, Manish Rathore faced elimination in the semi-finals.
With an impressive performance against Italian contender Gianluigi Malanga, Abhinash Jamwal showcased his agility and strategic prowess. At just 22 years old, Jamwal utilized his height advantage effectively, evading Malanga's attacks while capitalizing on opportunities when his rival's guard was compromised. This resulted in a unanimous decision by all five judges, four of whom gave Jamwal perfect scores for the match. Judges unanimously awarded him the first and third rounds, further highlighting his dominance throughout the bout. In fact, Malanga encountered difficulties early on, facing a countdown in the initial round which impacted his performance significantly.
Beyond Jamwal's success, another highlight of the tournament was Hitesh's achievement as the first Indian finalist in this year's World Boxing Cup Brazil edition. After overcoming Makan Traore, a seasoned French Olympian, Hitesh is set to compete against England's Odel Kamara in the upcoming final. Conversely, Manish Rathore's journey ended prematurely in the semi-finals with a decisive loss to Nursultan Altynbek from Kazakhstan. Despite these setbacks, India continues to make strides in international boxing arenas.
The World Boxing Cup Brazil 2025 represents one of three major tournaments scheduled globally this year, alongside events hosted by Kazakhstan and India later in June-July and November respectively. These competitions offer valuable ranking points that determine qualification for the prestigious World Boxing Cup Finals concluding the season. Participants eagerly anticipate their chances to elevate their standings through exceptional performances across various weight categories.
As the World Boxing Cup progresses, the achievements of athletes like Abhinash Jamwal underscore the growing prominence of Indian boxers on the global stage. Their consistent excellence not only boosts national pride but also enhances prospects for future international accolades. With more tournaments ahead, anticipation builds regarding how far these talented competitors can advance within the sport's hierarchy.