Liverpool: Star Indian boxers Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain endured contrasting outings on their international return, as the two-time champion advanced while the Tokyo Olympics medallist made an early exit from the World Boxing Championships here on Saturday.
Nikhat’s win was the only silver lining for India on the third day of competition as three others — Lovlina (75kg), Hitesh Gulia (70kg) and Sanju Khatru (60kg) — suffered contrasting losses.
Unseeded Nikhat, who had been sidelined by injury since her second-round exit in Paris last August, looked sharp in her comeback fight in the women’s 51kg division. She eased past USA’s Jennifer Lozano with a commanding 5-0 unanimous decision win in the round of 32.
Nikhat gauged her opponent well before delivering clean combinations from a long range to take the first round.
Even as Jennifer tried closing the gap in order to catch up, Nikhat relied on her excellent footwork and accuracy to keep the American at bay.
Nikhat was in complete control as she executed her counters, including the effective right hook, while maintaining a safe distance in the third and final round.
Lovlina, who got a bye for her Paris Olympics quarterfinal appearance, lost 0-5 to Turkey’s European medallist Busra Isildar.
In a scrappy affair, the strongly-built Busra gained early ground through her powerful shots. Lovlina made a comeback by finding the target from a distance before the Turkish boxer prevailed because of her cleaner punches.
Hitesh (70kg), who also got a bye, put up a superb fight before being ousted by Finn Robert Bos with a 1-4 verdict. A lusty right from Bos in the third round grounded Hitesh and earned Dutchman a decisive advantage.
On Friday night, after Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) defeated Ukrainian Daria-Olha Hutarina 5-0, Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal (+90kg) beat Ireland’s Martin McDonagh 4-1 to set up a last-16 clash with Italian Olympian Diego Lenzi.
