Data scientist by day, fighter by night: Carnegie Mellon University graduate Akshat Chaudhari wins amateur kickboxing debut

Akshat Chaudhari, a Carnegie Mellon University graduate, made his amateur kickboxing debut Saturday at Sunny Days Arena in North Versailles. Chaudhari won a split decision over Diesel Anderson, winning two of the scorecards, 30-27 and 29-28. Josh Rizzo/Pittsburgh Preps and Colleges

"I deal with data in the day, and in the evening I deal with people."

NORTH VERSAILLES TWP - Akshat Chaudhari stepped behind the curtain Saturday night at Sunny Days Arena and told anyone within earshot that he felt alive. The Carnegie Mellon University graduate will have plenty of stories to share after his first amateur kickboxing match ended in a split-decision win over Diesel Anderson.

“I’m really thankful to Diesel for giving me the opportunity to fight him,” Chaudhari said. “I feel alive, man. Like every breath I’m taking, I’m feeling alive in the moment.”

Chaudhari, a native of India and Shady Side resident, wasn't big on telling people he was training to fight.
But the gym bag he brought to class betrayed him.

“I tried not to tell a lot of people,” Chaudhari said. “They looked at me like I was crazy because not a lot of people understand this, you know. But when they would see me bring the gym bag back to class, they would ask me, ‘What is this about?’”

Chaudhari graduated with a degree in material science and artificial intelligence. He works during the daytime as a data scientist.

“I love working there,” Chaudhari said. “I deal with data in the day, and in the evening I deal with people.”

Chaudhari joined Stout Pittsburgh two years ago. Previously, Chaudhari has participated in some karate competitions and trained on his own for five years.

“I’ve been training before I joined Stout, but I didn’t have a facility like this,” Chaudhari said. “I was training on YouTube videos, fight pace, and precision striking, all of that. I had karate competitions, but that was just point fighting. I wanted to hit someone with full power.”

Chaudhari attempted to keep Anderson at bay with blistering kicks to the body. Anderson was active and landed several thudding blows at Chaudhari.

When the fight started, Anderson came forward, and Chaudhari ended up slipping and falling on his back during the first exchange.

Chaudhari regained his composure and leaned on his kicks.

“My kicks are my best weapon right now,” Chaudhari said. “So I’m looking to keep them sharp.”

Chaudhari was overjoyed about having a live opponent to push him.

​“You can’t clap with one hand,” Chaudhari said. “You need a partner.”

Josh Rizzo is the editor and publisher of Pittsburgh Preps and Colleges.