Indian boxer Mandeep Jangra clinched the World Boxing Federation (WBF) super featherweight world title, defeating Britain’s Conor McIntosh in an intense 10-round bout held in the Cayman Islands.
Jangra, a 31-year-old pugilist from Haryana, dominated most of the fight, delivering decisive punches and maintaining control throughout, while McIntosh struggled to keep up with his speed and stamina.
Trained under the legendary Roy Jones Jr., a former Olympic silver medalist, Jangra’s strategic approach and endurance were evident from the opening bell. With this latest victory, Jangra improved his professional record to an impressive 11-1, with seven of his wins coming by knockout.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, he said, “This is one of the biggest victories of my career. I am thankful to my sponsor Nash Built Construction, Chief Coach Roy Jones, Assistant Coach Asa Beard, and Angel.”
Jangra’s rise in professional boxing has been swift, having transitioned to the pro ranks in 2021 after a solid amateur career. His achievements include a Commonwealth Games silver medal from the 2014 Glasgow edition, which initially put him on the radar in Indian boxing circles.
Since then, Jangra has shown a keen ability to adapt to the professional arena, gaining attention not only for his skill but also for his resilience in the ring.
“This title is a matter of pride for me, and I hope it will inspire more Indian boxers to consider a career in professional boxing,” Jangra said. He expressed optimism about the potential for Indian boxing talent on the global stage, emphasizing the importance of support for aspiring athletes.
“Our boxers are good, and there is no dearth of talent in them. If they get good promoters and managers, they can also become world champions,” he added.
Jangra’s victory marks a significant milestone for Indian boxing, as the country continues to establish a presence in the global boxing arena. Traditionally, India has had a stronger focus on amateur boxing, with notable achievements in international tournaments and the Olympics.
However, with boxers like Jangra finding success in professional circuits, a new pathway is emerging for Indian pugilists.
As he basks in his WBF title win, Jangra is not only celebrating a personal triumph but also inspiring a new generation of Indian boxers to pursue professional careers. His journey highlights the potential of Indian athletes to succeed on the world stage and may lead to increased support and resources for boxing talent across the country.
