Boxing World C’ship: Akash Sangwan wins opening bout

Boxing World C’ship: Akash Sangwan wins opening bout

Indian boxer Akash Sangwan (67kg) stormed into the second round with a comprehensive 5-0 triumph over Turkey’s Furkan Adem in his opening bout at the AIBA men’s world championships here.

Sangwan, a reigning national champion, will next face Germany’s Deniel Krotter, who got a first-round bye. The Indian dominated Adem in a lop-sided contest held late last night.

Earlier, another debutant Rohit Mor (57kg) gave India a winning start by sailing past Ecuador’s Jean Caicedo 5-0 in a confident opening-round performance this evening. Next up for him is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Alen Rahimic.

Asian champion Sanjeet (92kg) received a first-round bye, along with Sachin Kumar (80kg).

While Sachin will face American Robby Gonzalez in the second round on October 30, Sanjeet will be up against Russian Andre Stotskii in his opening bout on October 29.

With more than 600 boxers from over 100 countries in fray, a lot of competitors will have to win at least three bouts in some categories to get to the quarterfinal stage.

Five-time Asian medallist Shiva Thapa (63.5kg) is one such boxer.

Thapa, who won a bronze at the world showpiece in 2015, will open his campaign against Kenya’s Victor Odhiambo Nyadera later in the day.