Anthony Pettis Set to Face Neeraj Goyat in India Boxing Bout on Jan. 23

Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis is heading back to the boxing ring for a six-round super welterweight (154 pounds) bout against veteran pro boxer Neeraj Goyat on Jan. 23, promotional officials confirmed to MMA Fighting. The event will take place in India, presented by IPBL Boxing and sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council. An official host city has not yet been announced, but Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai are under consideration, with a decision expected in November.

Pettis is 1-1 in his boxing career. "Showtime" earned a majority decision win over boxing icon Roy Jones Jr. at Gamebred Boxing 4 in April 2023 before dropping a decision to Chris Avila on the Diaz vs.

Masvidal boxing card in his most recent combat sports appearance. For Pettis, the bout also offers a chance at family redemption after his younger brother, Sergio Pettis, suffered a unanimous decision loss to Sabari Jaishankar in a boxing match in India in March 2025. "I have seen what Indian fighters can do, and Neeraj is the best of them," Pettis said.

"I have thought a lot about Sergio’s loss. This one is for him, and I am coming to win."

Goyat, a 27-fight professional, enters the matchup riding a five-fight winning streak that includes a victory over Whindersson Nunes on the Paul vs. Tyson fight card. Goyat expressed gratitude to MVP and Nakisa Bidarian for bringing the fight to his home country, noting that he has waited his entire career to face a major name in front of his own fans. MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Bidarian added in a joint statement that Goyat now has the opportunity to headline a historic event in India against one of the biggest names in combat sports.