Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen has created history by winning a gold medal by defeating Thailand's boxer Jitpong Jutamas in the 52 kg weight class of the Women's World Boxing Championships in Istanbul. Earlier in the semi-finals, she had faced Caroline de Almeida of Brazil. Former junior world champion Zareen remained restrained in the middle of the bout and continued to dominate her opponent completely, which helped her to register a 5-0 victory in the 52kg category in a unanimous decision.
Six-time world champion MC Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny RL and Lekha C are the Indian women boxers who have won the world title. Now Hyderabad boxer Zareen has also joined the list. India's best performance in this event has been in 2006 when the country won eight medals, including four gold, one silver and three bronze.
Earlier too, it was reported that Asian Championships bronze medallist Nikhat Zareen (52kg) has secured the first medal of the ongoing tournament for India by reaching the semi-finals with a stunning victory at the IBA Women's World Boxing Championships in Istanbul on Monday. Nikhat, who won a gold medal in the prestigious 'Strandja Memorial' tournament, continued her superb rhythm, beating England's Charlie-Cyan Davison 5-0.
The 25-year-old boxer from Telangana has responded to Davison's aggressive game in the quarterfinals in his own style. In the first round, both the boxers have attacked each other fiercely. Nikhat, however, dominated the second round and has put precise punches on the opponent boxer's body. After taking the lead in the opening two rounds, Nikhat resorted to defensive play in the third round and has also won a one-sided victory.
Neetu's (48kg) campaign, however, has ended with a 2-3 split decision loss to Kazakhstan's current Asian champion Alua Balkibekova in the quarterfinals. The 21-year-old two-time youth world champion from Haryana has to bear the brunt of the defensive game in the opening two rounds. She struggled to punch Balkibekova during this time. She took an aggressive stand in the third round but by then it was too late.
PV Sindhu enters quarter-finals of Thailand Open
Not Sanju Samson, his figures 'answer'..., this player who is constantly spewing fire from the bat
