Mary Kom enters last 8, Saweety out

ULAN-UDE(RUSSIA): Six-time champion MC Mary Kom (51kg) on Tuesday advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Women’s Boxing Championships after a hardfought victory in the last-16 stage here.

Mary Kom triumphed 5-0 against Thailand’s Jutamas Jitpong, a spunky boxer who kept the veteran on her toes with an aggressive approach but just did not connect enough.

The third-seeded Indian, who got a bye in the opening round, spent the first three minutes getting a good measure of her opponent before taking control of the proceedings.

Mary Kom, chasing her first world medal in the 51kg division, picked up pace in the second round and was especially sharp with her counter-attacks.

However, there was disappointment for India when former silver-medallist Saweety Boora (75kg) lost her pre-quarterfinal bout in a split decision despite a valiant fight.

Boora was up against secondseeded Welshwoman Lauren Price. Price is a European Games gold-medallist and fetched a bronze in the last edition of the world showpiece.

She is also the reigning Commonwealth Games champion besides, being a three-time bronze-medallist at the European Championships.

With a fancied opponent like Price, it was never going to be easy for the Indian but she put her best foot forward. Boora seemed unfazed by her rival’s reputation and managed to match her punch for punch for most part of the bout. However, the judges ruled 3-1 in Price’s favour.

Mary, who won her sixth world title at home last year is a step away from winning another medal at the event. She will be up against Lorena Victoria Valencia of Colombia in the quarter-finals Thursday. Mary joins Manju Rani (48kg) who has also ensured a quarter-final berth .

Lovlina Borgohain (69kg), last edition’s bronze medallist, will face Oumayma Bel from Morocco in her first bout of the competition. Seeded third Lovlina got a bye in the first round. Jamuna Boro (54kg) will meet Algeria’s Ouidad Sfouh on Wednesday.