Two boxing brothers from Southampton are making waves on the international stage, taking on adult opponents in Dubai and Thailand as they prepare to launch their professional careers in the UK.
Yuvraj and Vijayraj Karia, 17-year-old triplets, began boxing at an incredibly young age after receiving a set of boxing equipment from a traveller friend as a birthday gift when they turned two. What started as playful sparring soon evolved into a serious pursuit of the sport.
The brothers joined Stuart Gill’s esteemed Golden Ring Boxing Club in Millbrook at the age of 10. As their skills progressed, they later began training under renowned coach Dominic Ingle and former featherweight world champion Kid Galahad in Sheffield — both known for nurturing top-tier boxing talent.
However, under British Boxing Board of Control rules, teenagers cannot compete professionally in the UK until they turn 18. This regulation forced the brothers to seek opportunities abroad to kickstart their professional journeys.
So far, Yuvraj has fought and defeated four adult opponents from Dubai, India, Thailand, and Africa — three by knockout and one by unanimous decision. Vijayraj, on the other hand, has fought and won three bouts, each going the full distance. The goal now is for each brother to complete 10 fights by the time they turn 18 next October. If they succeed in maintaining an unbeaten record, the opportunity to fight on televised events in the UK is likely to follow.
Currently, the brothers train 10 times a week in Sheffield, immersing themselves in the city’s elite boxing environment. Despite the intense training schedule, they return to Southampton on weekends. Vijayraj believes the city’s multicultural fabric has played a significant role in shaping their comfort and adaptability on international stages.
Their father, Mayus Karia, speaking to Asian Voice, shared his deep pride in their journey,
"As their father, I couldn’t be prouder of what my sons have achieved, not just inside the ring, but in the way they carry themselves with discipline, humility and focus. Watching them represent our wider South Asian community on international stages like Dubai and Thailand has been an incredibly moving experience.
“Their discipline, respect, and hard work reflect the values we hold dear as a family. They’ve worked tirelessly for every win, and it’s inspiring to see their dedication paying off. I hope their journey encourages other young people from our communities to pursue their dreams with the same passion and commitment.”
As young British South Asian athletes, Yuvraj and Vijayraj are trailblazing in a sport where representation from their community has historically been limited. Yet, their focus extends beyond victories in the ring. Their dedication to conducting themselves with humility, discipline, and professionalism is as striking as their technical prowess.
