Limassol/ Khabarovsk: The Indian teams travelling to Russia for the Khabarovsk International Competition as well as Cyprus for the Invitation FXTM International Limassol Boxing Cup, have made a resounding start to their campaign, comprehensively beating the opposition in their opening round bouts.
Manoj, Jagroop advance to semis
The Invitation FXTM International Limassol Boxing Cup being held at Limassol, Cyprus will see boxers of Olympic and world class standard vying for the prestigious cup. Pugilists from 3 continents and 10 countries, including the likes of Germany, Spain, Algeria, Egypt and Belgium have registered for the event.
The two Indian boxers who took to the ring in the Invitation FXTM International Limassol Boxing Cup displayed great technique and skill to make it the next round of the tournament. Playing in the quarters 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Manoj Kumar (64kg) beat Frank Urquiaht of Spain in splendid fashion to advance into the semi-finals of the event. The 26 year old played out a very well contested bout. With his combination of straight punches to the face and the occasional left upper cut to the body Manoj dominated the bout and stunned the audience. The Olympian went on to beat the Spanish boxer with a score of 15:13 and made a place in the round of four. He now takes on Diaa Twafeek Mohamed of Egypt in the semis.
Playing his first international tournament, silver medal winner at the 2012 Senior Men’s National Boxing Championships Jagroop Singh put in a power packed performance against Ahrahim Ibrahim from Egypt, who retired hurt in the second round. Jagroop’s hooks and straight punches did most of the damage and put the Egyptian boxer on the back foot right from the very beginning. In the second round the 21 year old Indian caught his opponent with right upper cut followed by a cracking left hook. His hard hitting punches forced Ibrahim to withdraw handing the victory and a place in the round of four to Jagroop. Both the boxers are now assured of at least a bronze medal performance from the event.
Olympian L Devendro Singh (49kg) will open his campaign against Fussi Mohamed of Algeria in the quarter-finals, while Reigning National Champion Mandeep Jangra (69kg) takes on Ahmad Al Naboudhe of Lebanon.
Nanao, Dilbag march into medal rounds
The Indian boxers made a stunning start at the Khabarovsk International Competition in Khabarovsk, Russia as well. Reigning National Champion and National Games gold medallist Nanao Singh (49kg) was in his usual nimble form as he devoured Ladon Rogen of the Philippines in what turned out to be a one sided contest. The 22 year old, with his quick fire combinations and ring movement made it if very difficult for the Philippines boxer to settle down and find his rhythm. He went on to make a place in the semi-finals with a 12-8 win on points. In the round of four he takes on Ri Chung Hyok of DPR Korea.