World Boxing C'ships: Amit, Gaurav give India a strong start

Asian bronze-medallist Amit Phangal (49kg) gave India’s campaign a fine start at the 19th World Boxing Championship, advancing to the pre-quarterfinals on Friday. His team-mate Gaurav Bidhuri won his bout in the 56 kg category, beating Sam Goodman.

Amit Phangal after winning his bout in Hamburg on Friday.

Asian bronze-medallist Amit Phangal (49kg) gave India’s campaign a fine start at the 19th World Boxing Championship, advancing to the pre-quarterfinals on Friday. His team-mate Gaurav Bidhuri won his bout in the 56 kg category, beating Sam Goodman, an 18-year-old world youth bronze- medallist who sought crowd-funding to compete in the big event.

Amit defeated Italy’s Federico Serra in a split verdict to enter the second round, where he will be up against seventh seed Carlos Quipo of Ecuador.

The Indian was sluggish in the opening round, allowing his rival easy shots. However, he managed to get his act together in the second and third round to seal the issue in his favour, albeit on a split decision.

(With inputs from Agencies)