Indian boxers have a great start at the 19th World Boxing Championships

Indian boxers were off to a resounding start at the 19th World Boxing Championships, notching an all-win opening day with contrasting victories here on Friday

Representational Image

Indian boxers were off to a resounding start at the 19th World Boxing Championships, notching an all-win opening day with contrasting victories here on Friday.

Amit Phangal (49kg) and Gaurav Bidhuri (56kg), both making their debut at the mega-event, were the only Indians in action in the late evening session and they had the contingent ecstatic by moving into the second round.

Asian bronze-medallist Phangal was the first to take the ring and shrugged off a slow start to edge past Italian Federico Serra in a split verdict. The 21-year-old from Haryana, competing in the biggest tournament of his career, was rather sluggish in the opening round, allowing his rival easy shots.

However, he shook off the slumber in the second and third round with some well-placed hooks and straights. In fact, Phangal managed to out-pace his rival quite well in the closing three minutes, which perhaps tilted the scales in his favour.

"This is my first year in the senior circuit and so far it has turned out to be quite well. I am happy with the results I am getting," said Phangal.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!