Harpal Singh Bedi / New Delhi
Indonesia President’s Cup gold medallist Jamuna Boro (54kg ) created a major upset as she thrashed fifth-seeded Algerian boxer, Ouidad Sfouh 5-0 to storm into the enter the quarter-finals at the AIBA Women’s World Championships at Ulan-Ude, Russia on Wednesday.
Later World Championships bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (69kg) dominated her first bout and crushed Moroccan opponent, Oumayma Bel Ahbib 5-0 to move into the last eight.
With Borgohain and Boro’s win, five Indian pugilists have now entered the last-eight stage as they joined Mary Kom (51kg), Manju Rani (48kg) and Kavita (81+kg) in the quarters.
Taking the ring first, Boro blanked the African Games gold medallist’ Ouidad Sfouh The 22-year-old boxer, who is playing her first senior World Championships, started slowly and gradually gained momentum. The Assamese pugilist became more aggressive in the second round as she landed some clear blows on her opponent. She also evaded her rival’s punches with quick footwork to complete the commanding victory.
Boro’s statemate, Lovlina Borgohain made a resounding return to the last-eight as she demolished her Moroccan opponent, Oumayma Bel Ahbib . The third-seeded Indian, after getting a first-round bye, used her height to her advantage to dismiss her challenger.
In her quest for her second consecutive medal from this prestigious tournament, Borgohain will face sixth seed Karolina Koszewska of Poland while the India Open gold medallist Boro will take on Germany’s Ursula Gottlob on Thursday. Also in action will be six-time world champion Mary Kom who will hunt her eighth World Championships medal against Lorena Victoria Valencia of Colombia.
In 48kg, Strandja Cup silver medallist and sixth seed Manju Rani has a tough quarter-final showdown with top seed Kim Hyang of North Korea while Kavita Chahal will kickstart her campaign against Belarus’s Katsiaryna Kavaleva.
A total of four Indian boxers have been seeded this time while five got first-round byes at the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 2019 which will continue till Sunday, October 13.