Women's World Boxing Championships: Nikhat Zareen cruises to 2nd round

Ace India boxer Nikhat Zareen began her title defense with an emphatic RSC (referee stops contest) win over Anakhanim Ismayilova in the first round of the Women's World Championships in New Delhi on Thursday.

The tournament kicked off with Nikhat's bout, and the pugilist did not disappoint. The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist took her time judging her opponent in the 50kg category, but once she figured out the Azerbaijan boxer's game, there was no stopping her.

Nikhat, who is unseeded despite being the reigning champion, was at her aggressive best as she landed a flurry of combination punches on her opponent.

Such was the Indian's domination that the referee had to give Ismayilova the 'count' thrice before stopping the



contest in the second round.

On being unseeded, Nikhat said, "It's not a problem. That's the thing about draws, anyone can get any seeding. It doesn't matter but my draw is good, as the competition goes on I'll get tough opponents."

Nikhat will next face top seed, 2022 African champion Roumaysa Boualam, in the round of 32.

"I know that boxer but I haven't played against her. I'm happy that India's first bout started with me and hopefully, I will only end it."

Sakshi (52kg) advanced to the pre-quarterfinals with a 5-0 unanimous decision win over Colombia's Martinez Maria Jose in the first round.

Debutant Sakshi and Jose indulged in a fast-paced bout, where the Indian jabbed her way through.