Six-time world champion Mary Kom to face Nikhat Zareen in semis of the India Open International Boxing Tournament

India Open Boxing

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Six-time world champion Mary Kom and Asian Championships bronze medallist Nikhat Zareen set up a semi-final showdown in 51kg after confirming medals at the second edition of the India Open International Boxing Tournament at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi AC Indoor Stadium here today. Manju Rani, Monika and Kalavani also entered the 48kg semi-finals to confirm five medals for India on the second day of the meet and bring India’s total medal tally to 15.

Nepal’s Mala Rai hardly able to put any fight against Mary Kom as London Olympic bronze medallist easily managed to register a commanding 5-0 win to book a berth in the semi-final.

She will now meet Strandja Cup gold medallist Nikhat in the last four. Nikhat was impressive with her flurry of punches against compatriot Anamika and registered a comfortable 5-0 victory.

Strandja Cup silver medallist Manju Rani too kept attacking to her opponent Cleo Claveras Tesara of Philippines right from the start and earned a win by RSC (Referee Stop Contest) in Round 1. The win ensured a medal for her as the boxer today reached into the semi-final in 48kg. Monika was equally dominant in her quarter-final bout with Thailand’s Apaporn Intongsee to earn a 5-0 win.

Another Indian boxer Kalavani was deemed the winner by RSC in Round 2 over Bhutan’s Tandin Lhamo while in the first bout in the evening Indian boxer Nitu did not enjoy the same fortunes and was blanked 0-5 by former world champion Josie Gabuco of Philippines.

Earlier in the day, four Indian men pugilists made it to the quarter-finals. Pawan Kumar made short work of reigning Youth Olympic champion Brian Agustin Arregui of Argentina 4-1 for a place in the 69kg quarter-finals. Promising Indian boxer Dinesh Dagar notched up a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Marjon Angcon Pianar of Philippines in the 69kg. In 60kg, Ankit proved too strong for Ryan Boy Empoc Moreno of the Philippines whom he blanked 5-0. In 75kg, Manjeet Panghal got a walkover into the last-eight while Ashish lost 0-5 to Colin Louis Richarno.

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