While the spotlight shone brightly on the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul main event, Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat quietly delivered a stellar performance Friday night, defeating Brazilian fighter Whindersson Nunes in a six-round super-middleweight bout at the AT&T Stadium.  

The First Indian in WBC World Rankings

Born on November 11, 1991, Neeraj Goyat made history as the first Indian boxer to earn a spot in the World Boxing Council (WBC) world rankings. He won the prestigious WBC Asia “Honorary Boxer of the Year” award in 2017 and solidified his place in boxing history with a victory over Chinese boxer Xu Can in 2014. Xu Can later became a World Boxing Association world champion.

Goyat, a WBC Asia titleholder and one of India’s premier professional boxers, secured a unanimous decision victory with a flawless 60-54 scorecard. The 165-pound contest saw Goyat dominate from start to finish, showcasing his explosiveness and tactical prowess.  

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Neeraj Goyat hits Whindersson Nunes during the super middleweight bout | AP
Neeraj Goyat hits Whindersson Nunes during the super middleweight bout | AP

The opening round set the tone, with Goyat landing precise counterpunches, including a sharp left hook that rattled Nunes early. In the second round, the Indian boxer’s relentless aggression backed the Brazilian against the ropes, though his intensity briefly waned as he appeared to tire.  

By the third round, Goyat regained control, landing powerful body shots and dodging Nunes's advances with ease. His calculated approach included a punishing 1-2 combination that left the Brazilian on the defensive.  

The final two rounds cemented Goyat’s dominance. Despite a brief scare from a Nunes uppercut, Goyat quickly retaliated with his own flurry of punches, pinning his opponent to the ropes. In the sixth round, Goyat’s unyielding attack left Nunes no room to mount a comeback, though the knockout eluded him.  

The win underscores Goyat’s growing stature in international boxing. Known for his resilience and tactical versatility, the 33-year-old has steadily climbed the ranks in professional boxing, earning accolades across Asia.  

Friday’s victory may not have drawn the same global attention as the Tyson-Paul fight, but for Indian boxing fans, it was a proud moment of triumph.  

A Career of Challenges and Comebacks

Goyat’s career has not been without challenges. In 2019, he survived a serious car accident, temporarily halting his career. Despite this setback, he made a successful return to the ring and has since re-established himself as a formidable force in boxing.

Reality TV and Acting Ventures

Outside the ring, Goyat has explored other arenas. In June 2024, he appeared on the popular reality show Bigg Boss OTT Season 3, though his stint was short-lived, as he was eliminated after just five days.

Goyat has also ventured into acting, featuring in Indian films like Toofan and the blockbuster RRR. Additionally, he has expanded his combat sports repertoire, taking part in mixed martial arts competitions.