India's Boxing Ace Neeraj Goyat to Clash with Ex-UFC Star Anthony Pettis

Brett Okamoto, an ESPN reporter covering mixed martial arts and boxing since 2010, has detailed a historic upcoming combat sports event. India's top professional boxer, Neeraj Goyat, is set to face former UFC champion Anthony Pettis in the ring on January 23 in Goyat's home country. This highly anticipated event is promoted by India's IPBL Boxing and sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council. While the host city is yet to be announced, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai are currently under consideration.

Neeraj Goyat, with a professional record of 21-4 (9 KOs), holds the distinction of being a former WBC Asia champion and the first Indian boxer to be ranked by the World Boxing Council. His career has seen him fight internationally, including in China, Thailand, America, and the U.K. In 2024, Goyat made history again by becoming the first international fighter to join Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the U.S.-based company co-founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. He previously secured a victory against Brazil's Whindersson Nunes on the undercard of Jake Paul's fight against Mike Tyson in Arlington, Texas. His last bout was on August 29, when he earned a unanimous decision victory over Yessin Koulali in Birmingham, England. Goyat expressed immense pride and anticipation for fighting a renowned opponent like Pettis in front of his home crowd, stating his long-held desire to headline a card in India.

Anthony Pettis, 39, is a celebrated former 155-pound UFC champion who transitioned to professional boxing after his last MMA fight in 2022. He has two professional boxing matches under his belt, most notably an eight-round majority decision victory over boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. in April 2023. Pettis also has a significant connection to Indian combat sports, serving as a co-promoter of the Indian Fight League and Indian Pro Boxing League. His motivation for this fight is personal, as his younger brother, former Bellator MMA bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis, suffered a unanimous decision loss to India's Sabari Jaishankar in Hyderabad in March 2025. Pettis acknowledged Goyat as the best Indian fighter and dedicated this upcoming bout to his brother, vowing to win.

Most Valuable Promotions, which famously referred to Goyat as "the most viral fighter in the world" upon his signing in 2024, has highlighted the historic nature of the January event. The MVP co-founders stated their belief in Goyat's potential to become a global boxing star and elevate Indian boxing on the world stage. They view this opportunity for Goyat to headline a major event in his home country against a significant name in combat sports as a pivotal moment, fulfilling their vision for his career and for Indian boxing's international presence.