The 82nd Layton Cup Boxing Tournament, taking place from October 1 to 5, is set to be a vital event as it serves as a selection ground for the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championship in Jordan. While the preliminary matches will be held at the Royal MAS Arena in Colombo, the semi-finals and finals are scheduled at Browns Beach, Negombo.
The tournament promises intense competition, with boxers from Sri Lanka’s Army, Navy, and Air Force battling for top honors once again.
In the previous edition, Sri Lanka Army dominated the 81st Layton Cup, securing 11 gold, six silver, and 15 bronze medals. Their men’s team particularly excelled, winning eight golds across different weight categories, while the women’s team added three more. A standout performance came from Private HKNM Perera of the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps, who was named Best Boxer in the women’s division. This year, the Army is expected to field a strong team, featuring last season’s gold medalists like RMP Dharmasena, HMLP Jayawardana, PAR Prasanna, PSPS Fernando, and KGC Pathmasiri, who was awarded the title of the most scientific boxer at last year’s Nationals.
The Navy also performed well last year, taking home two gold, six silver, and nine bronze medals in the men’s events. AMGI Bandara (51kg) and WMGKIGI Ariyarathna (75kg) stood out, with Bandara winning the prestigious Layton Cup as the tournament’s Best Boxer. Other Navy silver medalists included EWA Sandaruwan (57kg), AMTS Adhikari (67kg), PARL Vinod (92kg), and AWA Madushan (86kg). The women’s team also contributed to the Navy’s success, with HMHP Jayakodi winning gold in the 80kg category. This year, the Navy aims to surpass last year’s performance.
The Air Force team, known for its steady success, won seven gold, two silver, and four bronze medals at the previous Layton Cup. Standout athletes included PGE Madushan (54kg), MWMM Meegasthenna (92+kg), and MPSS Cooray (60kg). Silver medalists IPDC Udayakumara (71kg) and HAWK Kumara (80kg) also impressed. In the women’s events, Air Force boxers dominated, claiming five golds through LIN Malshani (54kg), KKIT Perera (52kg), MPSS Cooray (60kg), WWAK Thiwanka (63.5kg), and KAGN Kaluarachchi (75kg).
RA Nadeeka Pushpakumari, a national team member, is a leading contender in the women’s light flyweight (50kg) category. Experienced fighters like Muthuthanthri Sajeewani Cooray (60kg) and Malshani (54kg) will also bring strong competition. Additionally, this year’s event marks the return of Keshani Hansika (57kg) from Vidyarathana Sports Club, who is making a comeback after a year-long break due to a leg injury.
In addition to the established competitors from the tri-services, several rising talents could make a significant impact at this year’s Layton Cup. Notable among them is 21-year-old two-time national flyweight (51kg) champion Umayanga Mihiran, representing the Police. Mihiran nearly qualified for the Paris Olympics during the World Olympic Boxing Qualifying Event in Bangkok. Another key contender is featherweight (57kg) boxer Podi Arachchige Rukmal Prasanna, who competed at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and secured gold at the Les Ceintures International Boxing Meet in France. Daniel Thisaarachchi from Back2Fit and Lasindu Eranda from Air Force are also expected to make their mark.
Both Mihiran and Prasanna are seen as crucial players for Sri Lanka at the upcoming ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championship, with the Layton Cup providing an important opportunity to prepare for international success.
The ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championship will be held from November 28 to December 12 in Jordan. Boxers who excel at the Layton Cup will have the chance to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage.
According to BASL President Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, the selection committee will be closely assessing each boxer’s performance. “This tournament is a critical platform for our boxers to showcase their abilities and earn a place on the national team,” Bandara said. Top performers may also receive specialized training in Jordan ahead of the championship, according to a BASL statement.
