Almaty (Kazakhstan), May 6 (IANS) India’s L. Devendro Singh entered the finals of 49 kg at the President’s Cup boxing event here Sunday.
The 20-year-old triumphed over his more experienced opponent, Olympian and Asian Games silver medallist Birzhan Zakipov of Kazakhstan, in an enthralling semifinal bout.
Devendro, who beat Russian boxer Egorov Vasily in the quarters, made a strong start in the round of four and set the pace with his fluent ring movement.
He was leading 3:2 after the opening three minutes of play and continued to add to his tally with some precise attacking in the second. Zakipov though, kept coming back at Devendro and was close on his heels with just two points separating them(11:9).
In the final round, the Kazakh tried hard to take the game away from the Indian, but Devendro was solid in his defence. He lost the round but managed to win the bout on count back, after the scores were level at 16 all.
“My opponent was a very experienced boxer and fought with very sound technique and strategy. It was a tough fight and I am very happy to have ended on the winning side,” said Devendro.
The Indian will be looking to secure his first gold on the senior tour, when he takes on Cuba’s top Light Flyweight boxer Yosvany Veita in the summit clash.
The other two Indian boxers – Asian Games silver medallist Manpreet Singh (91kg) and debutant Kanwar Preet Singh (+91kg) – settled for a bronze after losing their semifinal bouts.
The two heavy weight boxers lost out to the respective Kazakh opponents. Manpreet put up a brave performance against Abduganiev Arbek, but in the end came up short (12:19).
Kanwar on the other hand went down in a one sided contest with Dichko Ivan proving too strong for the rookie. He lost 3:13.
