India’s male boxers have hogged the limelight so far, but don’t be surprised if their female counterparts out-punch them at the London Olympics. At least that’s what the male boxing fraternity feels. Of the 19, who are part of the Indian contingent set to participate in the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships (final qualifier for the London Olympics), beginning in China today (May 9–20), three fighters — Mary Kom (51kg flyweight), L Sarita Devi (60kg, lightweight) & Pooja Rani (75kg middleweight) have a strong chance of making it to the Games. And with it, an Olympic medal is more than a certainty. Here’s why…

India boxer Mary Kom during a training session at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune recently. Pic/AFP