M.C. Mary Kom, who is bidding to attain the unique status of being a six-time World champion, will meet Ukrainian Hanna Okhota in the 48kg final of the World women's boxing championships at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex here on Saturday.
It has been a challenging journey for the 35-year-old, who has displayed her tremendous grit, game sense, tactical acumen and superb fitness to get the better of younger opponents – Aigerim Kassenayeva of Kazakhstan, Yu Wu of China and Hyang Mi Kim of North Korea – and reach her seventh final in the event.
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Mary had earlier beaten Hanna in the semifinals of the Silesian Open in Poland in September with a 5-0 scoreline and will be eyeing to repeat that in front of the home crowd at the K.D. Jadhav arena here.
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It will be interesting to see what strategy the Ukrainian adopts against Mary and how the five-time World champion and an Olympic medallist responds to it.
Win or loss, it will be an unforgettable moment for Hanna. “She (Mary) is a strong boxer, an Indian star and a women's boxing legend. I am glad to have a fight in final with her. It will be an interesting fight. For me, it will be a great experience. I will do everything to win,” said Hanna.
Mary is focused on her job. “I have beaten her in Poland. I will read that bout and plan the strategy. I hope to beat her again," said Mary.
The stands will be packed when Mary enters the ring on Saturday.
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