press trust of india • April 4, 2026

Rising Indian boxing star Vishvanath Suresh defeated reigning world champion Sanzhar Tashkenbay of Kazakhstan, his victory over the world No 1 helping the Tamil Nadu pugilist advance to the semi-finals of the men’s 50kg category in the Asian Boxing Championships.

Rising Indian star Vishvanathan Suresh defeated reigning world champion and world No 1 Sanzhar Tashkenbay to advance to the men's 50kg semi-finals at the Asian Boxing Championships. Image credit: Asian Boxing

India’s rising pugilist Vishvanath Suresh stunned reigning world champion and World No 1 Sanzhar Tashkenbay of Kazakhstan to advance to the men’s 50kg class semi-finals of the Asian Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Saturday.

Before his upset win, Suresh had defeated Bekzat Ergeshov of Kyrgyzstan 5-0 in a unanimous decision from the judges.

Watch the winning moment in Suresh’s quarter-final bout against Tashkenbay here:

Suresh, who trains at the Army Sports Institute, has rapidly established himself as one of India’s most exciting boxing prospects, seamlessly transitioning from a dominant youth career to the elite senior level.

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Hailing from Chennai, his rise marks a significant moment for boxing talent emerging from the region. He is the reigning national champion, having clinched gold at the Elite Men’s National Boxing Championships 2026.

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Technically sharp and tactically astute, Suresh is known for his speed, agility, and ring intelligence. His ability to control distance, combined with quick, precise combinations, makes him a formidable presence in the fast-paced flyweight category.