World Boxing Championships: Unfazed Ingrit Valencia ready to take on local star Nikhat Zareen in semi-finals

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New Delhi, March 23: Star India boxer Nikhat Zareen will face the reigning Pan American Games champion and last edition's silver-medallist Inner Valencia in the semi-finals of the ongoing IBA Women's World Boxing Championships 2023.

Nikhat - who won a gold medal last year at world championships in Istanbul, though in a different weight category (48) - will take on the veteran boxer from Colombia at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi on Thursday (March 23).

Both Nikhat and Valencia - the Rio Olympics bronze medallist boxer - came out victorious in the quarter-finals on Wednesday (March 22) by split decisions.

While 34-year-old Valencia defeated Italy's Giordana Sorrentino, the Indian ace, Nikhat, edged Thailand's Raksat Chuthamat via a split decision and book a berth in the final four.

Both the boxers - who were tested by their opponents in the round of eight - are not getting much of a relief ahead of their last-four bout for they will be back in the ring in a little over 24 hours. The duo aim to win their next match and confirm a silver medal for their country in the marquee tournament.

While reflecting upon her performance against the Thai pugilist, Nikhat said, "I aimed to play from a long range but there was a lot of clinching so my body got a little tired. All the bouts I have had till now were powerful but for me, it's been a good experience to keep moving forward and defeating them so hopefully I will keep moving forward like this and fight for my country."

The 26-year-old boxer from Telangana - who played with a stiffened back in the round of 16 bout - lamented that she has less recovery time but is up for the challenge and will aim to bring her A-game against a seasoned campaigner.

"Yes, I do have less time for recovery considering the bout is in the evening. I'll have to prepare for tomorrow, after leaving from here so, I will just take the time I get to recover and then get ready for the evening sessions," the defending champion from India added further.

The Colombian, meanwhile, is also looking forward to the highly-anticipated match of the tournament as she faces the crowd favourite in the semis.

While speaking with MyKhel after watching Nikhat's bout from the stands, the 34-year-old boxer said, "I am hoping to give my best in the semi-finals against India. I will look to put her (Nikhat) under pressure with my strategy in the ring. It is going to be a great day because I am going to fight to qualify for the finals and assure myself a silver medal."

Asked if she's going to feel the pressure in the ring against Nikhat in the round of four as the crowd will be completely behind the local girl, the Colombian said she isn't that bothered about it and her focus will be on her opponent and not the crowd.

"First of all, I feel very happy because I will be getting a chance to play in front of a huge crowd. I have a great deal of respect for the fans here but I am not too concerned about such pressure. I will focus on my game and my teammates will be there to cheer for me," she signed off.

Nikhat and Ingrit will be in action at 6:15 PM (IST) on Thursday (March 23).