Beijing Olympics medallist boxer Vijender Singh (75kg) and L Devendro Singh (49kg) entered the quarterfinals on Monday. However, London Olympian and medal hopeful Shiva Thapa bowed out in the pre-quarters losing to Olympic bronze medal list Michael Conlan of the Northern Ireland.
Earlier in the day, Devendro (49kg) edged out Sri Lankan boxer Madushan Gamage 2-1 to advance. The Indian started confidently, getting a perfect 10 from all three judges in the opening three minutes.
However, in the next round, Devendro, who generally looks to drain out his opponents with a flurry of punches, was left surprised when Gamage came back strongly to clinch it 29-28. But the Indian youngster muzzled the challenge in the deciding three minutes, snatching it 30-28 to be just one more win away from assuring himself a medal on his Commonwealth Games debut.
The 22-year-old Manipuri will now face Scotland’s Aqeel Ahmed on Wednesday.
Vijender out punched Namibia’s Mujandjae Kasuto 3-0 in a one-sided contest. The Bhiwani boxer dominated the proceedings from start and managed a perfect 10 from every judge in all the three rounds. He will now face Trinidad and Tobago’s Aaron Prince to ensure India a bronze medal.
Shiva, who received a cut in his head, gave a tough time to Conlan. The Indian boxer also got a warning for clinching and bending too much. “Shiva fought really hard and despite a cut in the head he didn’t lose focus. He was a bit little unlucky,” said chief national coach GS Sandhu from Glasgow. “Vijender is in good shape won both bouts easily. It will be very confident going into the quarters. Also I am very hopeful seeing the way Devindro is moving in the ring.”
{{/usCountry}}Shiva, who received a cut in his head, gave a tough time to Conlan. The Indian boxer also got a warning for clinching and bending too much. “Shiva fought really hard and despite a cut in the head he didn’t lose focus. He was a bit little unlucky,” said chief national coach GS Sandhu from Glasgow. “Vijender is in good shape won both bouts easily. It will be very confident going into the quarters. Also I am very hopeful seeing the way Devindro is moving in the ring.”
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