World Boxing Championships: Sumit Kundu, Neeraj Phogat Register Wins To Advance | Sports News

Indian pugilists Sumit Kundu and Neeraj Phogat got their World Boxing Championships off to a positive start with wins in their respective events on Friday.

Kundu dished out a commanding performance to move into the round of 16 at the event with a unanimous decision win over Jordan’s Mohammad Al Hussein in the men’s middleweight category, while Phogat edged past Finland’s Krista Kovalainen 3-2 in the women’s 65kg competition.

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Sumit, one of the most promising pugilists in the country, took control from the opening bell by immediately claiming the centre of the ring and forcing Al Hussein on the defensive.

Both boxers exchanged clean punches, but Sumit was relentless. His heavier shots and precise backhand repeatedly pierced the Jordanian’s guard.

By the end of the second round, the Indian had built a commanding lead. Though he eased off in the final minutes of the bout, the verdict was never in doubt.

The Army man will now face a stiff challenge in the round of 16 against reigning European champion and Paris Olympian Rami Kiwan of Bulgaria, who received a first-round bye.

Earlier, Sanamacha Chanu powered into the women’s 70kg pre-quarterfinals with a 4-1 win over Denmark’s Ditte Frostholm late on Thursday.

Using her height to close the distance, Sanamacha landed a series of heavy blows that unsettled her experienced opponent. The Manipuri boxer will next face World Boxing Cup gold medallist Natalya Bogdanova of Kazakhstan.

However, there was disappointment for heavyweight boxer Harsh Choudhary, who exited in the first round of the men’s 90kg after suffering a referee-stopped contest (RSC) defeat to Poland’s Tutak Adams.

Asian Games medallist Narender Berwal (90+kg) and Commonwealth Games medallist Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) will open their campaign later in the day.

(With Inputs From PTI)