Goa Set for Big-Ticket Sporting Events, Say Boxing Promoters

Three Goans, Clyde Lobo, Prathamesh Naik, and Luigson Fernandes are redefining the perception of Goa as a destination for high-profile sporting events with the recent successful culmination of Susegado Strike Fight Night, a first-of-its-kind boxing extravaganza in the state. Combining pugilism’s grit with Goa’s serene charm, their vision to make the state a hub for professional boxing debuted successfully, featuring six bouts, two wins for Goan entrants and the participation of women boxers.

When the crowd roared unceasingly during the inaugural edition of Susegado Strike Fight Night, it wasn’t just for the technical knockouts or the electrifying punches, that the participating boxers were swinging in the ring.

In many ways it was for Goa itself, as the coastal state slowly emerges in reputation as a hub for highoctane sporting events that blend grit and glamour. Behind this boxing extravaganza, the first-of-its-kind organised in the otherwise tourism-savvy state, are three Goan organisers, namely Clyde Lobo, Prathamesh Naik and Luigson Fernandes who have a dream: to put Goa on the global map of professional boxing.

Susegdo Strike's Founder Clyde Lobo, a two-time national championship fighter and former secretary of the Goa Amateur Boxing Association, brings decades of boxing experience to the ring. Clyde saw the need for a professional boxing platform in Goa and decided to help his other co-founders to deliver one. "Indian boxers, including those from Goa, have the skill to compete internationally," he says. "They train hard and deserve a stage to showcase their passion".

Prathamesh Naik, an enterprenur with a background in real estate and film production, believes that Goa, with its venerable and already established reputation as a tourism and lifestyle destination, can occupy a pole position in hosting big-ticket sporting events. “We’ve seen the state host events like the IRONMAN 70.3, the Indian Super League and FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches. Boxing fits perfectly into this ecosystem,” Prathamesh notes. “With Susegado Strike Fight Night, we’re taking a step further in creating a space for big-ticket sporting events. The next edition of Fight Night will be held in February 2025.While the first edition of Fight Night was massively successful, our intent is to go a lot bigger and better."

Held at the Dona Paula-based International Centre Goa, Susegado Strike Fight Night featured six bouts with boxers from across India, including two women. Two Goan boxers, Kailas Gauns and Pralhad Panda, claimed victories with technical knockouts at the event that showcased skill, sportsmanship and Goa's potential as a hub for major sports events.

For Luigson Fernandes, a combat sports fan since childhood, Susegado Strike is more than an event.

"This is about contrasts," he says. "Strength and serenity can coexist, just like boxing and Goa. Through this event, we’re not just building champions but honouring the culturally intrinsic calm of Goa.” When he’s not thinking about the next fight Luigson runs a successful landscape studio.

The debut edition of Susegado Strike Fight Night featured six intense bouts involving fighters from various Indian states. At the event, debutant Goan boxer, Kailas, stunned the crowd with a first-round technical knockout in just one minute and 50 seconds, while Pralhad dispatched his opponent in under two minutes with another TKO.