Hong Kong boxer Saagar Pradhan said fighting in the city gave him extra strength as he prepared to defend his WBO youth title next month.
The 24-year-old will battle Gaurav Bisht for the WBO Youth APAC super welterweight belt at the 2,000-seat Southorn Stadium on October 10, part of a double header that includes a bout between Scottish fighter Colin Cairney and India’s Trijot Singh Bawa for the vacant WBO Youth International welterweight title.
Speaking to the Post on Thursday ahead of the fight, Pradhan said he believed in home advantage because it made him “feel stronger”.
“My parents are going to watch,” he said. “You got your people around you, supporting you. My friends, my family, they’re all here.
“They’re cheering for you, and the atmosphere is different … from your hometown, that’s why I like fighting [in Hong Kong] more.”
Saagar Pradhan would love to fight at Kai Tak Sports Park. Photo: Elson Li
Born and raised in the city to Nepalese parents, it will be Pradhan’s first home fight since he knocked out Passakron Yakkala in just 90 seconds last September at PMQ Qube in Sheung Wan.