India duo in last 16 at Worlds

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jai Bhagwan (60kg) and rookie teenager, L Devendro Singh (49kg), inched closer to the Olympic qualifications by advancing to the pre-quarterfinals with thumping wins in their respective second-round bouts of the World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan Monday.

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jai Bhagwan (60kg) and rookie teenager, L Devendro Singh (49kg), inched closer to the Olympic qualifications by advancing to the pre-quarterfinals with thumping wins in their respective second-round bouts of the World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan Monday.

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The 19-year-old Devendro pummelled Joselito Velazquez of Mexico 40-19 in what was biggest points win of the ongoing event till now. Jai, on the other hand, got the better of Miroslav Serban of the Czech Republic 14-6 in his bout.

The duo joined Manoj Kumar (64kg), Dinesh Kumar (81kg) and Vikas Krishan in the pre-quarters as the Indian boxers continued to pack a powerful punch at the mega-event from where quarterfinalists (from 49kg to 81kg division) will qualify for the London Olympics.

While Devendro will take on Ecuador's Carlos Quipo, who defeated Turkey's Ferhat Pehlivan 17-10, Jai would be up against seventh seeded Irishman David Joyce, who thrashed Afghanistan's Mohammad Khaiber 26-13.

Devendro opened the proceedings for India. Playing his maiden senior international event, was off to a flier of a start.

Opening up a massive 19-7 lead in the opening round itself, Devendro was up 31-14 by the end of the second round. He slowed down a bit in the final three minutes, notching up nine points to total 40 against opponent's 19 in the final analysis.