Nikhat Zareen advances to World Boxing Championship quarterfinals

NEW DELHI: Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen stormed into the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Boxing Championships with a convincing win over Mozambique’s Helena Ismael in New Delhi on Sunday.

Defending champion beats Helena Ismael of Mozambique.

Competing in the 50kg category, Nikhat dominated from the start and forced the referee to stop the contest in the first round. Her swift combinations and aggressive approach left her opponent unable to continue.

With this victory, Nikhat secured a place among the top eight and moved a step closer to defending her title. She will face Brazil’s Caroline de Almeida in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Earlier, India’s Lovlina Borgohain also progressed to the last-eight stage after a clinical performance in the 75kg category. Borgohain, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, defeated Citlalli Ortiz of the United States 5-0 by unanimous decision.

Meanwhile, Saweety Boora (81kg) and Nupur Sheoran (81+kg) also advanced to the next round, ensuring India continued its strong run at the championships.