2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships
2019 World Boxing Championship: Unstoppable Manish Kaushik wins in a unanimous decision
Manish advanced to the second-round and will meet Netherland's Enrico Lacruz on Saturday
India’s Manish Kaushik started off his 2019 World Championship campaign on a strong note, clinching a unanimous 5:0 win over Kyrgyzstan’s Argen Ullu Kadyrbek in Ekaterinburg, Russia earlier today.
Manish faced some initial challenge as his opponent began on an aggressive note. In the second round, however, the Indian pugilist made a strong come back and defended brilliantly relying on counter-punches and some stark footwork that took his opponent by surprise. Befuddled by the quick footwork, his Kyrgyz opponent failed to settle down throughout the bout. The 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist took full advantage of Argen’s tired legs in the third round and landed some clear punches to walk home with a unanimous decision.
Speaking after the win, Manish said,
"First round was tough and it was close. After that, my coaches told me how to play and I won the next two rounds clearly. I will next play against Netherland's boxer. I'll watch his videos and chalk out a strategy for him along with my coaches."
Manish advanced to the second-round and will meet Netherland's Enrico Lacruz on Saturday as the 2018 India Open gold medallist has been continuing his fine form with a top of the podium at the Feliks Stamm International Boxing Tournament, earlier in the year too. Manish becomes the second Indian boxer after Brijesh Yadav (81kg) to notch up a win at the AIBA Men’s World Championships this year. On Tuesday Brijesh had dominated Poland's Maleusz Goinski to set up a second-round showdown with Turkey’s Bayram Malkan.
While Kaushik was the only Indian in action on Day 4 of the AIBA Men’s World Championships, Duryodhan Negi will begin his medal hunt in 69kg against Armenia’s Koryun Astoyan on Friday.
Amit Panghal (52kg), Kavinder Singh Bisht (57kg) and Ashish Kumar (75kg) have been seeded as a total of four Indian boxers got first-round byes at this prestigious tournament where 488 athletes from 89 countries are vying for medals at this elite championship that will continue till September 21.
