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Meet Mizoram's Nutlai Lalbiakkima, the 1st Indian boxer to fight for IBA 2021 title

Meet Mizoram's Nutlai Lalbiakkima, the 1st Indian boxer to fight for IBA 2021 title

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By Devabrata Dutta

AIZAWL: Mizoram boxer Nutlai Lalbiakkima is all set to fight for the International Boxing Association Intercontinental 2021 title, making him the first-ever Indian to do so.

This 24-year-old boxer, known as NT Biakkima, hails from the Siaha district of northeastern state Mizoram. The pugilist started his journey 10 years ago, in the year 2011. People like to call him NT Lalbiakkima or Zokeite as well.

"It's great that I get to represent my homeland Mizoram. I always had encouragement for sports from our people living in my hometown," Nutlai told InsideNE.

[caption id="attachment_94014" align="alignleft" width="342"]Nutlai Image Source - Marine Pro Boxing Promotions[/caption]

Nutlai started his career in amateur boxing. Asked about his most remarkable memories and achievements in his 10 years of the journey so far, Nutlai expressed, "In 2018, I defeated World’s no.1 Olympic Gold medalist Hasanboy Dusmatov in Kazakhstan which itself is a historic landmark in Indian boxing. I was totally focused to beat him and I did it."

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IBA title is basically for the professional and semi-professional boxers across the globe. However, professional boxing is yet to grow become popular in India like the US, UK and other European countries. In India, amateur boxing is way more popular.

Amateur boxing is another form of boxing practiced at the collegiate level, at the Olympic Games, Pan American Games and Commonwealth Games, as well as many associations.

"I decided to work more dedicatedly towards my skills and made up my mind that I would try professional boxing as now Indian boxers from the amateur can also turn pro," said Nutlai.

Currently, Nutlai is training with his coach Mampuia Colney, who himself is a former National Games, 2011 silver medalist.

[caption id="attachment_94015" align="alignright" width="440"]Nutlai Image Source - Marine Pro Boxing Promotions[/caption]

He will fight for the upcoming IBA Intercontinental title scheduled to commence from August this year.

"My game-plan is to achieve IBA World Title by 2022 and then fight for WBO, IBF and WBC titles later," Nutlai told InsideNE.

Nutlai is currently signed with Marine Pro Boxing Promotions, a sports company in combat sports entertainment, focusing basically on the sport of professional boxing in India.

On being asked about his plans ahead and the support he has with him to reach there, he said, "My manager Devraj Das knows what I am preparing for and he is ready to assist me in every way."

Nutlai added further, "I have made my mindset to become India’s 1st World Champion in my weight division and I am really training hard. Even during the lockdown, I have been working out in closed doors, no rest until I achieve my goals."

Nutlai, who sees Filipino boxing legend, Manny Pacquiao, as his idol, on being asked if he had anything to say about upcoming boxers of Northeast India said, "Boxers of North East have high potential to become some of the biggest names in sports in coming years. You just have to give your 100% to your training and be loyal to the people who support you in the hardest times. There is no word called impossible to be a champion and the people of North East have already proved that in various sports thereby making our country proud."

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Edited By: Admin
Published On: Jun 17, 2021