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Boxing, Olympic qualifiers: Nishant Dev shines in Italy as Ankushita, Lakshya bow down

World Championships bronze medallist Nishant Dev started his campaign at the 1st World Olympic Boxing Qualification Tournament.

By Soumya | Mar 7, 2024 | 2 Min Read

World Championships bronze medallist Nishant Dev started his campaign at the 1st World Olympic Boxing Qualification Tournament. Dev won with an exciting 3-1 win against British boxer Lewis Richardson in Busto Arsizio, Italy.

Playing in the men’s 71kg category, Nishant Dev didn’t take much time to settle in against the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Richardson. The Indian southpaw went into attacking mode from the word go, winning the first round 4-1. The 23-year-old Indian became even more dominant in the second round. Subsequently, with the help of his long reach and delivered some effective right hooks to win the second round 5-0 comfortably.

He put forward a controlled performance in the third round as well and avoided multiple attacks from his opponent. Simultaneously, he tried to protect his lead and ultimately won the bout with a split decision.

However, on the other hand, six-time Asian Championships medallist Shiva Thapa (63.5kg), suffered a first-round loss via RSC to reigning World Champion Ruslan Abdullaev of Uzbekistan. The Uzbek lived up to his reputation with his pinpoint attacks.

Abdullaev penetrated Thapa’s defence multiple times which forced the Indian pugilist to go into defensive mode right from the start. However, the defensive approach didn’t last long as Abdullaev continued his onslaught. Thapa received two standing counts within 20 seconds before the referee stopped the contest.

Youth would champion Ankushita Boro was also out-punched 2-3 by Sonvico Emilie of France in the women’s 66kg as India’s dismal run at the Olympic qualifiers continued.

Six of the nine Indian boxers have made first-round exits from the tournament so far. National champion Sanjeet (92kg) will square off against Aibek Oralbay of Kazakhstan later on Wednesday.

The first World Olympic Qualifier is hosting over 590 boxers and will offer a total of 49 quotas. This includes 28 for men and 21 for women, for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Boxers who fail to earn quotas here will get a final chance to seal their passage to Paris during the second World Olympic Boxing Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Bangkok from May 23 to June 3. Between 45 and 51 boxers will qualify for the Bangkok meet.