Zareen, a two-time world champion, secured victory over the two-time Asian Champion Nguyen by a unanimous resolution.
Regardless of being the reigning world champion, Zareen was one in every of solely 4 boxers within the 50kg occasion who didn’t obtain a first-round bye. Nonetheless, she took management of the match proper from the outset.
“I had not anticipated it (to be a one-sided bout) however my plan was to make it one as a result of it is taking place overseas and I did not wish to give any probability to her. My plan was to win the primary two spherical unanimously after which chill out within the third,” Zareen mentioned after the win.
Within the opening two rounds Zareen landed correct punches, rattling her opponent.
Such was her energy that the referee was compelled to offer Nguyen the eight rely twice in 30 seconds within the opening spherical.
Nguyen tried to assault within the second spherical however Zareen retaliated with robust mixture punches, forcing a 3rd eight rely upon the Vietnamese boxer.
Along with her work completed, Zareen conserved power within the last three minutes, defending fantastically with the assistance of her nimble footwork.
With coveted Olympic quotas at stake, Zareen mentioned she is concentrating on qualifying for the Paris Video games first.
“I’m focussing on qualification first. Then step-by-step I am going to consider last and gold,” Zareen mentioned.
All 4 semifinalists within the gentle flyweight class will earn Olympic quotas.
Additionally Placing up a dominating present was gifted Indian boxer Preeti, who notched up an RSC (referee stops contest) win over Jordan’s Silina Alhasanat.
Zareen will face Chorong Bak of South Korea within the Spherical of 16 whereas a tricky bout awaits Preeti. The Indian teenager should struggle seasoned Kazakh boxer and three-time worlds medallist Zhaina Shekerbekova
The 19-year-old Preeti, who made the pre-quarterfinals of the World Championships earlier this 12 months, is now one bout away from assuring herself of a medal and an Olympic quota.
Enjoying a strategic bout, Preeti began the competition on a defensive mode earlier than unleashing her attacking recreation.
After a sedate begin, the Indian went on the offensive and landed good jabs and hooks to win the opening two rounds simply.
After exhibiting promise initially, Silina light away and checked out sea because the referee gave her two standing counts within the second and third rounds earlier than stopping the competition.
(With PTI Inputs)
