New Delhi, May 12 (Agency) Indian boxer Anamika (50kg) showed her prowess and technical superiority to advance to the pre-quarterfinals at the 12th edition of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships after defeating Romania’s Eugenia Anghel by unanimous decision in Istanbul on Thursday. The bout started on an aggressive note as both the boxers relentlessly attacked from the word go but Anamika displayed her sharp footwork and movement to land clear punches and evaded her opponent’s punches. The boxer from Rohtak continued her relentless attack in the second round and didn’t let her opponent settle down. She dictated the terms throughout the whole bout and comfortably won by 5-0 to move to the next round. Anamika will next face the World Championships bronze medallist Kristy Lee Harris of Australia in the round-of-16 bout on Sunday.
Later in the day, two other Indian pugilists – Shiksha (54kg) and Jasmine (60kg) – are also set to begin their challenge at the prestigious tournament. Shiksha will be up against Argentina’s Herrera Milagros Rosario in the 54kg opening round match, whereas Jasmine (60kg) will square off against the two-time Youth Asian Champion Porntip Buapa of Thailand. The two-time Asian Champion Pooja Rani (81kg) and Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (70kg) will play their respective round-of-16 bouts on Friday. Pooja, who will begin her World Championships campaign, will take on Hungary’s Timea Nagy, while Lovlina will fight against Cindy Ngamba of Fair Chance Team. Lovlina had defeated the former World Champion Chen Nien-Chin in the first round on Monday.