IBA Women's World Boxing: Preeti beats Perijoc in sensational game; Nitu, Manju secure emphatic victory

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New Delhi, March 18: Continuing their imperious show in the ongoing Mahindra IBA Women's World Boxing Championships 2023, three Indian boxers put up another dominant show to qualify for the next round on day three here at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi on Saturday (March 18).

Preeti registered a 4-3 win over 2022 World Championships silver medallist Lacramioara Perijoc in a thrilling encounter and stormed into the round of eight in the marquee event.

While her compatriots Nitu Ghanghas and Manju Bamboriya also secured emphatic victories in a rather one-sided contest.

Preeti beats Romanian boxer 4-3

Preeti (54kg) - who won bronze at the 2022 Asian Championships - recorded her second win in the ongoing tournament as she conquered the Romanian Perijoc with a 4-3 win on points after the bout was reviewed.

The Haryana-born pugilist's energetic approach helped her get off to a strong start with her strong punches and quick feet catching her opponent by surprise in the first round.

Following a cautious start, Perijoc made an impressive comeback in the second round to make the bout a closely contested affair.

While both pugilists were going toe to toe against each other, it was Preeti's technical ability and conviction that helped her overpower her opponent and edge her out in the final round to secure the victory.

"I had prepared hard for this bout as I was competing against the silver medallist from the previous edition. I had a point to prove in this bout and show that I can beat the best in the world on my day. I will continue to give my best in the upcoming bouts as I aim to win the gold medal," said an elated Preeti said while interacting with media persons after her victory.

The Indian will now face another silver medallist of last year's World Championships Jutamas Jitpong of Thailand in the Round of 16.

Nitu won by RSC

The 2022 Commonwealth Games champion Nitu Ghanghas won her first bout in the competition quite comfortably in the 48kg category.

The Bhivani-based boxer showcased technical superiority in the game and defeated Kang Do-Yeon of South Korea with a win by RSC. The 22-year-old's attacking prowess proved to be too strong for the Korean who did not get a single opportunity to settle down in the bout since the start.

With Nitu's relentless attack showing no signs of slowing down, the referee stopped the bout in the first round and handed the Indian her first win of the tournament. She will face Sumaiya Qosimova of Tajikistan in the next round.

Manju wins by unanimous decision

After Preeti and Nitu, it was Manju's turn to impress as she defeated Cara Wharerau of New Zealand with a unanimous decision and ensured a clean sweep for Indian pugilists on the third day of the tournament.

"There were some nerves initially as it was my first bout. Then there was a pressure of performance as we are playing in front of the home crowd. I gauged my opponent in the first 30 seconds after entering the ring and then brought my strategy of landing counter-punches against her and it worked.

"This is my second world championships and I wish to make it count this time around as the vibe is positive as we are playing in front of the home crowd," she told media persons after winning the game.

The Indian will now take on the top-seeded Navbakhor Khamidova of Uzbekistan in her next bout.

Meanwhile, the 2022 African Champion Imane Khelif of Algeria made lightwork of Kenya's Asiko Friza Anyango and recorded a comprehensive win in the 66kg category after the referee stopped the contest in the first round.