Ankush Panghal Stuns World Champion to Reach Asian Games Boxing Final
Indian boxer Ankush Panghal mounted a memorable come-from-behind victory at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, defeating reigning world champion Fazliddin Erkinboev of Uzbekistan 4-1 via split decision in the men's 80kg semifinal. After dropping the opening round 1-4 to the Uzbek star, the debutant Indian fighter raised his tempo in the second round before delivering a dominant final round to secure a spot in the gold medal bout. His victory adds to a strong day for India's boxing contingent
Dramatic Comeback Seals Spot in Gold Medal Bout at Aichi-Nagoya
Displaying tactical resilience and explosive counter-punching, Indian boxer Ankush Panghal secured a spot in the men's 80kg gold medal match at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Competing in his debut Asian Games campaign, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion registered a 4-1 split-decision triumph over Uzbekistan's Fazliddin Erkinboev—the reigning world champion in the 75kg category who moved up to light heavyweight.
The high-octane semifinal victory guarantees India at least a silver medal in the division while keeping Panghal's quest for an Asian Games gold title alive.
Overview: Men's 80kg Boxing Semifinal Scorecard Breakdown
| Round / Judge | Round 1 Judging | Round 2 Judging | Round 3 Judging | Final Verdict & Result |
| Panghal (IND) vs Erkinboev (UZB) | 1-4 (Erkinboev) | 3-2 (Panghal) | 5-0 (Panghal) | 4-1 Split Decision WIN |
| Tactical Dynamics | Uzbek dominance; heavy jabs | Panghal pace shift; left hooks | Unanimous sweep; high-volume combinations | Advances to Gold Medal Match |
Panghal Overcomes Opening Round Deficit
The semifinal bout opened with Erkinboev establishing distance using crisp lead jabs and ring control, earning a 4-1 verdict across four judges' scorecards in the first round. Unfazed by the early deficit, Panghal adjusted his footwork in the second round, closing the distance to land effective left hooks and body strikes. Panghal edged the second round 3-2 to set up a decisive final three minutes.
Ankush Panghal 80kg Semifinal Progression: ------------------------------------------ Round 1 (1-4 Deficit) ──> Round 2 Tactical Shift (3-2) ──> Round 3 Unanimous Sweep (5-0) ──> 4-1 Final VictoryIn the third round, Panghal controlled the tempo entirely. Increasing his punch volume and catching his opponent on the counter, the Indian boxer swept all five judges' cards in the final frame to complete the 4-1 comeback victory.
Indian Boxing Contingent Capitalizes on Momentum
Panghal's victory builds on his convincing 5-0 quarterfinal win over Tajikistan's Nekruz Salimov and continues a landmark day for Indian combat sports in Japan. Alongside teammate Parveen Hooda—who advanced to the women's 65kg final with a unanimous 5-0 victory over China's Li Shu—Panghal will take to the ring for his final gold medal bout later in the week.