Amit Phangal helps India to winning start in World Boxing Championships

Amit Phangal gave India a good start by advancing to the pre-quarterfinals in the 19th World Boxing Championships here. The Asian bronze-medallist got the better of Italy's Federico Serra in a split verdict to enter the second round on Friday night.

Amit will now take on seventh seed Carlos Quipo of Ecuador. The Indian boxer recovered from a slow start in the first round to seal the deal in the second and third rounds although a split decision went in his favour.

India have sent a strong eight-team contingent, the biggest ever, to the World Championships this year. They made the cut through the Asian Championships held in Tashkent earlier this year.