Last night at the Brighton Centre, 18-year-old Southampton rising star Yuvraj Karia showed he belongs on the televised stage, cruising to a unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Brandon Gallardo Vargas in a four-round bout on the under-card of the headlining clash between Harlem Eubank and Josh Wagner.
From the moment Yuvraj stepped into the ring, the momentum was with him. The choice to enter with Panjabi MC beats and surrounded by a large travelling contingent of family, friends and supporters showed he’s embracing his identity and bringing a wider community with him. The walkin raised the roof and set the tone.
Once the bell rang, Yuvraj moved with composure and confidence. He controlled the centre of the ring, mixed his punches effectively and didn’t allow Gallardo much of a foothold. The final scorecards reportedly read 40-36 in Yuvraj’s favour.
Although Yuvraj has fought abroad, this was his first professional contest on UK soil — a key milestone for any young boxer. The victory takes Yuvraj to 8-0, keeping his unbeaten record intact. Importantly, beyond the win, he looked comfortable under lights and handled pressure with poise — traits that will serve him well as the stakes rise.
His next steps will likely involve increasing rounds and quality of opponent. The question for his team now is how quickly they push him while preserving the momentum built tonight.
For Southampton’s boxing scene and for aspiring British-Asian fighters, Yuvraj’s performance sends a message: a local boy, rooted in his community, can make a mark on the national stage. The large support group from the city emphasised that this isn’t just his fight — it’s a collective moment.
Last night was the first chapter. If Yuvraj keeps building on this, the next time he walks out, it may well be to a bigger name, bigger venue, and a bigger crowd.
Congratulations to Yuvraj Karia — the UK debut is done, the momentum has begun.
