Indian pugilists super in Serbia

India’s Akash Kumar (in blue) punches Puerto Rico’s Caleb Tirado

Indian boxers Akash Kumar (54kg) and Narender Berwal (+92kg) advanced to the quarter-finals of the AIBA men's World Championships here on Sunday, notching up contrasting but exhilarating victories against their respective opponents.

Impressive Narender

While Akash staved off a stiff challenge from Puerto Rico's Caleb Tirado to clinch it 5-0, Narender pummelled a heavily distracted and mostly sluggish Jakhon Qurbonov of Tajikistan, stopping him in the second round itself. Akash, who received a walkover in the last round, was up against a sprightly Tirado and he did trouble the Indian with his close-range game.

India boxer Narender

Akash to face Finol

However, Akash stuck to hitting straight and clean, a tactic which found favour with the judges. The Puerto Rican also endured a point's deduction in the second round after he picked up a warning for failing to keep his head up. Akash will square off against Rio Olympics silver-medallist Yoel Finol.

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