New Delhi, Nov 18: MC Mary Kom stormed into the 48kg quarterfinal while Sarita Devi went down fighting in her round of 16 of AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships here on Sunday (November 18).

Mary Kom defeated Aigerim Kessenayeva of Kazakhstan but stopped short of promising an unprecedented sixth gold in the marquee event. Mary Kom is currently tied with Katie Taylor of Ireland on five gold in the World Championships.

The 35-year-old Manipuri, a mother of three, won a silver in the first edition and then went on to win five gold in successive World Championships from 2002 to 2010.

"Anything can happen in a boxing bout. The country and the fans want a gold from me and I will give my best and try to win a gold," she said after winning the bout 5-0 in the capital.

.@saritadevi15 goes down by a split decision of 2:3 against her Irish opponent. Tough luck! #PunchMeinHainDum #AIBA #WWCHs2018 pic.twitter.com/6om2C9viTp

— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) November 18, 2018

"There was a bit of pressure as it was my first bout of the tournament. I have been handling the pressure of expectation from the people of my country for the last 16 years and I have happy to face this pressure. In the initial years, it was a bit tough to handle this pressure but now I am used to it," said the Olympic bronze medallist.

She said she was not bothered by negative talks about her in some quarters.

"Sometimes, there were negative things being said about me but I am not bothered by these negative things about me.

"My life is all about boxing and I will focus on my sport. I am enjoying my sport and I am enjoying the love offered by the fans. I am still working hard and hard work pays," the Olympic bronze medallist said.

Sarita goes down fighting:

Another Manipuri pugilist Sarita Devi was defeated by Kellie Herrington of Ireland by a split decision of 2:3.

Catch some of the best moments from @MangteC's first bout in the 10th edition of the AIBA Women's World Championship in Delhi! #PunchMeinHainDum #AIBA #boxing🥰🤗💃👯‍♀️👀 pic.twitter.com/LEW4n4t4vx

— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) November 18, 2018

Earlier on Saturday, the 2006 edition gold medallist Sarita (60kg) had to work harder to emerge 4-0 winner on points against Diana Sandra Brugger of Switzerland in her opening bout at the KD Jadhav Stadium.

(With inputs from PTI)