Date:02/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/02/stories/2007110261701900.htm

Sport - Boxing

Jitender, Bhagwan fall flat

CHICAGO: Flyweight pugilist Jitender Kumar fought a valiant battle but eventually lost to the better-rated European champion from Russia, in the pre-quarterfinal match at the World boxing championship here on Wednesday.

Asian bronze medallist Jitender Kumar stayed with Georgy Balakshin only for the first round before the Athens Olympics quarterfinalist pummelled the Indian to open up a 6-3 lead midway through the 51kg contest.

Balakshin, the European gold medallist in 2004 and 2006, maintained his edge in the penultimate round, which he won 3-2, before he wrapped up the bout taking the final round 5-4, for a 14-9 overall win.

India’s other hope, Jai Bhagwan lost tamely to Darley Perez of Colombia in the lightweight category. Jai Bhagwan had come through a tough second round bout against Vasil Qazishvili of Georgia, and the unheralded Perez proved too much for the Indian.

Bhagwan was 1-2 in the first round, but improved a bit in the second which he lost 3-4, but the 60kg bout was still within grasp. But Perez pounded punches in the third taking it 3-0 before a 7-3 decision in the final handed the Colombian a 16-7 verdict.

The two losses for the Indian camp came after A.L. Lakra on Tuesday earned the first boxing Olympic quota berth for next year’s Games in Beijing.

Lakra will meet Asian bronze medallist Li Yang of China in the 57kg featherweight quarterfinal. A win will ensure at least a bronze medal for India, a rarity when it comes to the senior amateur world boxing.