Nikhat Zareen began the defense of her world champion title with a resounding RSC (referee stops contest) victory over Azerbaijan’s Anakhanim Ismayilova in the first round of the 2023 Women’s World Championship in New Delhi on Thursday.
The tournament started with local favorite Nikhat fighting and the defending champion did not disappoint. Competing in the 50kg category, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist took her time judging her opponent, but once she discovered the Azerbaijani boxer’s game, there was no stopping her. .
Nikhat, who is unseeded despite being the reigning champion, was at her aggressive best when she landed a flurry of combo punches on her opponent. The first round was decided unanimously in her favour, with all five judges scoring the round 10-8 for Nikhat.
The 25-year-old Indian kept connecting with Ismayilova’s face, and the Azerbaijani had no response to her opponent’s speed. Such was Nikhat’s dominance that the referee had to give Ismayilova the ‘count’ three times before stopping the contest in the second round.
.@nikhat_zareen starts with a win 💪🥊
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🥊 IBA World Boxing Championships for Women
🗓 March 15 – 26
🇮🇳 New Delhi@AjaySingh_SG I @debojo_m#it’s time #WWCHDelhi #World Championships @IBA_Boxing @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/FmxUhgf0E4– Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) March 16, 2023
Not being seeded, Nikhat said, “It’s not a problem. That’s the thing with draws, anyone can get any seed. It doesn’t matter, but my draw is good, as the competition progresses I’ll have tough opponents.” Nikhat will face the top seed, 2022 African champion Roumaysa Boualam, in the round of 32.
“I know that boxer, but I haven’t played her. I’m happy India’s first fight started with me and hopefully I’ll just finish it.”
If she beats Boualam, Nikhat could face Rio Olympics bronze medalist Ingrit Valencia of Colombia and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Tsukimi Namiki of Japan in the semifinal and final. , respectively.
Meanwhile, Sakshi (52 kg) advanced to the pre-quarterfinals with a 5-0 unanimous decision victory over Martínez María José of Colombia in the first round.
Newcomer Sakshi and Jose engaged in a fast-paced fight, where the Indian battled her way to victory.
Nupur Sheoran also advanced to the quarterfinals of the over 81kg category, with a commanding victory over Guyana’s Abiola Jackman. The Indian’s strength and speed were too much for her opponent, and the judges ruled unanimously (5-0) in favor of Nupur.
Preeti (54kg) is in action later in the day against Hungary’s Lakotar Hanna in the afternoon session of the event.
