Indian star defeats Japanese Ayako Minnowa to enter last-16 of World Boxing Championships
Qinhuangdao (China): Defending champion M C Mary Kom advanced to the pre-quarter-finals in the 51kg weight category of the seventh World Women’s Boxing Championships here yesterday. This is the first and only qualifying event for the sport ahead of its historic Olympic debut in London.
India boxer Mary Kom during a training session at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune recently. Pic/AFP
ADVERTISEMENT
The Indian out-punched Japan’s Ayako Minnowa 20-9 in her lopsided opener after getting a first-round bye. “It was such a confusing bout, I don’t know how to describe it. My opponent was very strong, but she had no skill or technique, she only had strength. She fought like a bull, only hitting my belly,” Mary Kom was quoted as saying by PTI.
“I mostly used my left hook in today’s (Sunday) bout. She was just so confused about what to do. Had I resorted to her tactics it would have become a street fight.
“I kept control of my temper, told myself that I cannot attack like her so it is better to counter. It was very draining,” added Mary Kom.
At the end of the second round, the Indian doubled her lead and consolidated her position further by notching up seven points against her rival’s three in the third. Minnowa tried hard in the final two minutes, but Mary Kom had established a big enough lead to clinch the bout comprehensively.
Mary Kom was facing the Japanese opponent for the first time in her career. Mary Kom will now face Marielle Hansen of Norway tomorrow.
“I am going to fight her for the first time. Let’s see how it goes,” she said. Hansen defeated Zaida Enriquez Cedillo of Mexico 21-7 in her opening bout.
Meanwhile, Pinki Jangra (48kg) entered the second round by beating Mirela Barudzic of Serbia whereas Sonia Lather lost to German Elena Walendzik 9-18 in the opening round. u00a0
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
