Women’s Boxing World C’ship In Numbers: Manisha Moun

Twenty-one year old Manisha Moun, who is making her debut in the ongoing AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships at the KD Jhadav Hall, is confident of a positive start against the 36-year-old Christina Cruz of the US in the preliminary round of 54 kg class. The Haryana boxer, who won a silver medal after defeating former European champion Viktoria Kuleshova in the semifinals of Silesian Championships in Poland in September, believes she is ready for the D-Day. “The exposure I got in Poland was great. I have prepared well and, with the home crowd support, would hope to do well,” she said. But she did admit that the worlds would be a different kettle of fish and she has gathered information on rival boxers from her teammates, especially from veterans Mary Kom and Sarita Devi, who have given vital tips to handle tough situations during the bout. Cruz, the New York pugilist is a wily boxer and has to her credit several international honours, including being the continental champion, also the twice bronze medal winner at the 2012 and 2016 world championships. But Manisha, who is tactically good with a solid defence, hopes the tips she got from the seniors will come in handy against the American. However, Christina will use her experience against the Indian.