Daijiworld Media Network – Liverpool

Liverpool, Sep 5: Indian boxer Sumit Kundu delivered a dominant performance to enter the round of 16 at the World Boxing Championships, securing a unanimous decision win over Jordan’s Mohammad Al Hussein in the men’s middleweight category on Friday.

The Army man controlled the bout from the outset, forcing his opponent on the defensive with powerful backhands and accurate punches. By the second round, Sumit had built a commanding lead, easing off only in the final minutes but leaving no doubt about the result.

The 25-year-old will now face a stern test against European champion and Paris Olympian Rami Kiwan of Bulgaria, who received a first-round bye.

In women’s action, Neeraj Phogat (65kg) edged Finland’s Krista Kovalainen 3-2 in a tense split decision, while Sanamacha Chanu (70kg) powered past Denmark’s Ditte Frostholm 4-1 late Thursday, setting up a clash with Kazakhstan’s World Boxing Cup gold medallist Natalya Bogdanova.

However, it was heartbreak for Harsh Choudhary (90kg), who bowed out in the opening round after a referee-stopped contest against Poland’s Tutak Adams.

Meanwhile, Asian Games medallist Narender Berwal (90kg) and Commonwealth Games medallist Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) are set to open their campaigns later in the day.