Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen began her title defense with an emphatic RSC (referee stop contest) win in the opening round of the Women’s World Championships on Thursday.
The tournament began with a bout featuring home favorite Nikhat and the boxer did not disappoint. Competing in the 50kg category, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist took her time to gauge her opponent but once she understood the game of the Azerbaijani boxer, there was no stopping her.
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Nikhat, who is unseeded despite being the defending champion, was on his offensive form as he unleashed a flurry of combination punches on his opponent.
Such was the Indian’s dominance that the referee had to ‘count’ Ismailova thrice before stopping the bout in the second round.
On being unseeded, Nikhat said, ‘It is not a problem. That’s the thing about the draw, anyone can get the seeding. It doesn’t matter, but I have a good draw, I will find tough opponents as the competition progresses.” Nikhat will next face top seed, 2022 African champion Roumessa Boualam in the round of 32.
I know that boxer but I have not played against him. I am happy that India’s first bout started with me and I hope to finish it.” Sakshi (52kg) defeated Colombia’s Martinez Maria Jose in the first round by a 5-0 unanimous decision to enter the pre-quarterfinals.
Debutants Sakshi and Jose engaged in a fast-paced bout where the Indian blocked his way.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)