Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Chennai are in the race to host the January 23, 2027 bout between Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat and former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. The Indian Pro Boxing League (IPBL), the Indian Boxing Council and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) held a press conference in Hyderabad on Friday.
The fight
- Six rounds at super welterweight (154 lbs, 69.9 kg).
- Goyat is 21-4-2 with 9 knockouts and was the first Indian boxer ranked by the WBC.
- Pettis is 25-14 in MMA and is a co-owner of the IPBL.
What they said
MVP co-founder Jake Paul said by video that Muhammad Ali fought at the Chennai venue 47 years ago and that a bout there would be "the biggest comeback for Indian boxing in 47 years". IPBL CEO Akshar Madhavaram said: "What is certain is the date, 23 January 2027, and that India has never seen a boxing night like this one." Goyat said nobody beats him in a ring in India. Pettis said: "I'm not here as a visitor. I'm an owner in this league." He has dedicated the fight to his brother Sergio, who lost in Hyderabad in March 2025.
What next
The IPBL says the city, venue, tickets and broadcast will be announced together in the coming weeks. The two fighters meet again at a PFL event in Dubai on November 14.
