Boxing World C'ship: Deepak Bhoria reaches semi-finals, assures medal

Young Indian pugilist Deepak Bhoria defeated Diushebaev Nurzhigit of Kyrgyzstan by a 5-0 unanimous decision to reach the semi-finals and continue his dream run at the ongoing Men's Boxing World Championships in Tashkent.

Competing in the 51kg Olympic category, Deepak Bhoria dazzled again in the ring like his previous wins and secured at least one medal for India.

The Indian pugilist dominated the match from the beginning and used his quick movement and ring intelligence to win the first round. Deepak was at his best in the second round as well as he dodged his opponent's attack proficiently and stayed ahead in the match.

The third round saw Deepak playing smartly and negating the heavy attacks of Nurzhigit. The strategy worked for the Indian boxer as he comfortably won the bout.

He will now face B. Bennama of France in the semi-finals on Friday and look to reach the finals of the tournament.

Belonging to the Hisar district in Haryana, Deepak is on a giant-killing spree in the World Championships after defeating Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Saken Bibossinov of Kazakhstan in the Round of 32.

The 26-year-old defeated Jiamao Zhang of China in the pre-quarterfinal as he controlled the bout right from the start and ended up winning it by a 5-0 unanimous decision.

Deepak becomes the eighth Indian to win any medal at the Men's boxing world championships joining the likes of Vijender Singh, Vikash Krishan Yadav, and Amit Panghal.