Nikhat Zareen, the current world champion, kicked off her title defence on Thursday with a stunning RSC (referee stops contest) victory over Anakhanim Ismayilova of Azerbaijan in the opening round of the Women’s World Boxing Championships.
The home favourite and reigning champion Nikhat, who is unseeded, launched a barrage of combination punches at her opponent in the 50kg division as soon as the match began.
In the round of 32, Nikhat will face top seed and 2022 African champion Roumaysa Boualam.
Nikhat’s bout kicked off the tournament, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist did not disappoint. She took her time assessing her opponent before figuring out the Azerbaijan boxer’s game.
Because of the Indian’s dominance, the referee had to give Ismayilova the ‘count’ three times before calling the match off in the second round.
“It’s not an issue. The thing about draws is that anyone can get any seeding. It doesn’t matter, but my draw is good; as the competition progresses, I’ll face more difficult opponents, “Nikhat expressed his disappointment at not being seeded.
“I’m familiar with that boxer, but I’ve never faced her. I’m glad India’s first bout began with me, and hopefully, I’ll only end it.”
Sakshi Chaudhary (52kg) of India also advanced to the pre-quarterfinals after a 5-0 unanimous decision victory over Colombia’s Martinez Maria Jose in the first round.
Sakshi and Jose engaged in a fast-paced fight in which the Indian jabbed her way through. Sakshi will now face Urakbayeva Zhazira of Kazakhstan in the next round.
Nupur Sheoran (+81kg) of India, on the other hand, proved too strong for Guyana’s Abiola Jackman in the Round of 16. In the quarter-finals, Nupur will face tough Lazzat Kungeibayeva of Kazakhstan, the 2016 World Champion.
Later, Preeti’s RSC victory over Hanna Lakotar of Hungary in the 54kg opening round ensured the hosts’ unbeaten record on Day 1 of the tournament. In the second round, she will compete against last year’s silver medalist Lacramioara Perijoc of Romania.
Rio Olympics champion Estelle Mossely (60kg) of France is set to kick off her campaign on the second day of the tournament on Friday, alongside five-time World Championships medalist Elif Guneri (75kg) of Turkey, reigning Asian Champion Oh Yeon-Ji (60kg) of South Korea, and former world champions Alessia Mesiano (60kg) of Italy and Lina Wang (81kg) of China.
Indians in the Round of 32 include Jaismine Lamboria (60kg), Shashi Chopra (63kg), and Shruti Yadav (70kg).
