In Chimbel, 30-year-old Kailas Gauns fights more than opponents, he battles life’s odds. Inspired by Mike Tyson’s grit, this state-level boxing champion channels raw aggression into relentless discipline. From dropping out of school to training for national glory, Kailas, who is scheduled to participate in the upcoming Fight Night conceptualised by Susegado Strike , proves that in boxing, as in life, resilience is critical to success.
Boxing legend Mike Tyson may have gone down to Youtuber Jake Paul recently in the world’s most streamed sporting event, but in the course of his lengthy career, ‘Iron Mike’ has fired the spirits of hundreds of thousands of boxers the world over. Take the case of 30-year-old boxer Kailas Gauns from Chimbel, who is gearing up for one of the biggest fights of his career, during the upcoming Susegado Strike Fight Night, Goa’s first professional boxing extravaganza
A state champion and aspiring national contender, Kailas embodies the grit Tyson preaches, channelling his aggression into discipline and his dreams into relentless training.
“I’ve learnt a lot from his ability to stay focused, control the pace of a fight, and use his strengths to dominate his opponents. Tyson’s dedication and mindset continue to inspire me to push my limits and improve every day,” Kailas told The Goan.
Kailas didn’t grow up dreaming of the ring. His life, much like his punches, is raw and real. After dropping out of Mushtifund High School in Panaji post the 8th grade, he drifted for a while, before he found purpose in a stint as a lifeguard with Drishti Marine.
But the year 2019, when he was 25 years of age, changed everything. Boxing found him, or perhaps he found it — at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, under the sharp eye of the late Olaf Oliveira, a Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) coach. Before he passed away in 2020, Olaf had a reputation as a “technical boxer” with a special eye for young talent.
“Boxing gave me control,” Kailas says. Control over his aggression, his body, and his mind. The gym became his sanctuary, the ring his battleground.
Training isn’t glamorous. Two hours of sparring at the Indoor Stadium in Campal. Half an hour of conditioning at home. Three sets of gruelling exercises. Repeat. The rhythm is unrelenting, but Kailas thrives in it. “Discipline builds toughness,” he adds, crediting his rigorous routine for his physical and mental resilience.
His coach, Praveen Shirodkar, shapes this passion into precision. Praveen, an international silver winning boxer himself, was Olaf’s understudy at the SAG, and knew of Kailas’ skillset.
Together, they craft strategies, refine techniques, and sharpen Kailas’s focus. It’s a partnership built on sweat, perseverance, and a shared hunger for victory.
But Kailas’s story isn’t all triumph. His most memorable fight? A national-level loss to a seasoned opponent from Madhya Pradesh. “I didn’t win, but I didn’t break either. The loss motivated me to train harder,” he recalls. That defeat wasn’t a setback; it was a lesson. A reminder that the road to greatness is paved with bruises and resilience.
Goa’s boxing scene is evolving, and Kailas sees himself as part of that change. Events like the upcoming Susegado Strike, Goa’s first professional boxing extravaganza, which is scheduled to be held on December 6 at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula, are creating platforms for fighters like him, for whom the bottom line is not just about winning; but about representing Goa’s spirit — a mix of strength and serenity.
Kailas is presently training tirelessly for his upcoming bout. “Events like Susegado Strike’s Fight Night are incredibly motivating for boxers like myself. They provide a platform to showcase our skills and test ourselves against top-level competition. Personally, I don’t think about losing. For me, it’s all about preparing for the game night, giving my best, and learning from every experience. My focus now is to push harder, stay focused, and represent my state with pride. It’s an opportunity to grow, both as a fighter and as an individual, and I’m fully committed to making the most of it.”
“Kailas is an incredible athlete. He’s motivated, is training hard and is gearing up to test his strength and technique against some tough competition. Indian boxers like Kailas have the grit and skill to be able to compete at the national and international stage. We look forward to seeing Kailas and other boxers like him step up and showcase that skill and passion,” said Luigson Fernandes, one of the three co-founders of Susegado Strike.
“My long-term goal is to compete internationally and test myself against the best fighters from around the world. I want to experience different styles of boxing and see how I measure up on the global stage. In the short term, I aim to continue improving my skills, win at the national level, and gain the experience necessary to achieve my ultimate goal of fighting internationally,” says Kailas.
