CWG 2026: Ankush Panghal Fights Back to Win Men's 80kg Boxing Gold

India's boxing contingent continued its historic campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as Ankush Panghal clinched the Gold Medal in the Men's 80kg Light-Heavyweight category with a courageous comeback victory over England's Dimeji Shittu at Glasgow's SEC Centre.

India's golden run in Boxing continues!

Heartiest congratulations to TOPS athlete Ankush on winning the Gold Medal in the Men's 80kg event at the Commonwealth Games 2026.#CWG2026 #Cheer4Bharat pic.twitter.com/4EPEjSbIzr

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 1, 2026

Panghal recovered from a difficult opening round to earn a 4-1 split-decision victory, adding another golden chapter to India's outstanding boxing campaign and securing the country's record seventh boxing gold medal at a single Commonwealth Games.

A Final of Determination

The championship bout began with England's Dimeji Shittu dictating the pace through his superior height and reach. His accurate jabs and powerful combinations kept Panghal on the defensive, and a heavy punch midway through the opening round forced the Indian boxer to take a standing count. All five judges awarded the opening round to Shittu.

Needing an immediate turnaround, Panghal completely changed his approach in the second round. He closed the distance, attacked the body, and finished strongly with a series of sharp combinations that convinced three judges to score the round in his favour, reducing the deficit heading into the final round.

Brilliant Finish Secures Gold

The deciding round showcased Panghal's tactical maturity. He expertly evaded Shittu's attacks before responding with crisp counter-punches. As the English boxer grew increasingly frustrated, he was penalized for repeated holding, giving Panghal additional momentum.

The Indian maintained his composure until the final bell, with the judges awarding him the contest by a 4-1 split decision, completing one of the finest comeback victories of India's boxing campaign.

Dominant Tournament Run

Panghal's journey to the top of the podium was equally impressive. He defeated Jade Micock of Seychelles in the quarterfinals before overcoming Canada's Joshua Ofori in the semifinals to book his place in the gold medal bout.

Historic Achievement for Indian Boxing

Ankush Panghal's victory capped a sensational Commonwealth Games for Indian boxing, as the team finished with seven gold medals—the highest-ever boxing gold tally for India at a single edition of the Commonwealth Games, surpassing the previous best of three gold medals achieved in Delhi 2010, Gold Coast 2018, and Birmingham 2022.

With another commanding performance under pressure, Ankush Panghal reaffirmed his status as one of India's premier boxers while contributing to a landmark chapter in the nation's sporting history.