Vimal Chandra Punera: The Universal Boxing King

Vimal Chandra Punera: The Universal Boxing King

In the quiet valleys of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand where mountains rise like guardians of ancient traditions a young boy once dreamed of greatness. Born on 18 August 1994, Vimal Chandra Punera did not come from the glittering gyms of big cities. His beginnings were humble, yet his spirit was restless, searching for a way to channel his strength, discipline, and fire.

That fire found its shape in boxing.

Early Spark

Unlike many athletes who spend years preparing before their first bout, Vimal’s entry into the ring was nothing short of extraordinary. In 2015, barely ten days after lacing up gloves for the first time, he stepped into a local fight in Dehradun against a national-level champion. It was not victory that defined him that day, but courage—the willingness to fight against the odds, a trait that would later define his career.

At that time, Indian boxing was going through uncertainty. The Indian Amateur Boxing Federation was suspended, championships were irregular, and young boxers had little direction. But where others saw dead ends, Vimal saw a new road: professional boxing.

The Professional Leap

In 2017, seeking growth, Vimal travelled to the Philippines, where he trained under veteran coach Arlo Chavez and sparred alongside champions like Jerwin Ancajas, a multiple-time world titleholder. That experience gave him an international edge, sharpening both his style and belief.

His professional debut came in 2018 at the historic ABA Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, against Obedi Maguchi. For Vimal, it was only the beginning.

Rising Through Fire

Back in India, Vimal joined hands with promoters in Mumbai and quickly bounced back. He racked up three straight stoppage victories, proving that the flame inside him was stronger than any setback. In December 2020, he stopped Vimal Kumar by TKO, showing dominance in the flyweight division.

Then came his defining moment. In front of his own people, Vimal stepped into the ring to challenge Zen for the IBA Asia Flyweight Title. What followed was history—a knockout in just 18 seconds of the first round. Uttarakhand, a land more famous for its pilgrimages and mountains, now had a boxing champion who had conquered Asia.

The Man Beyond the Gloves

To many, Vimal is not just a boxer—he is a symbol of Uttarakhand’s grit. He blends the discipline of Himalayan life with the ferocity of the boxing ring. He also engages in yogic practices, drawing strength from India’s ancient wisdom while testing his limits in modern combat sports.

Vimal has represented India across New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Dubai, carrying both his state’s pride and the tricolour with him. His career record (as of 2025) stands strong, with five professional wins—all by knockouts.

Guru and Guardian

Behind Vimal’s journey stands his mentor, Capt. Sunder Chand Thakur, who transformed his life entirely. More than a trainer, Capt. Thakur is his guiding light—teaching him how to visualize, manifest, and achieve his goals while training with discipline. Capt. Thakur, who has also been a mentor to U-19 World Cup-winning cricket captain Unmukt Chand, continues to inspire Vimal both in sport and in life.

Vision Ahead

Vimal’s dream does not end with titles. He speaks openly of wanting to rank among the top five boxers in the world, to fight under the bright lights of Las Vegas, London, or Tokyo, and to bring a world title belt home to India.

But perhaps his biggest fight is not only inside the ring—it is to inspire. To prove that even from a small mountain village, one can rise to global heights.

As Vimal himself often says:

“Every punch I throw carries the strength of Uttarakhand, the hope of young Indian fighters, and the belief that no beginning is too small for greatness.