Indian boxer Amit Pinghal opened his campaign at the Commonwealth Games with an easy win as he reached the men’s flyweight (51 kg) quarter-finals on Monday. World Championship silver medalist Pinghal pinned Vanuatu’s Namri Berry by unanimous decision.
Featherweight boxer Mohammad Hassamuddin defeated Bangladesh’s Mohammad Saleem Hussain 5-0 in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals.
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Pinghal, who is competing in his first major tournament after a disappointing showing at the Tokyo Olympics, looked in control in all three rounds.
He used his right and left punch combinations effectively and fought from a distance, forcing Barry to come forward and attack. Pinghal was quick to land punches in each of the three rounds as Barry was no match for the Indian.
With the opening two rounds going in his favour, Pinghal was content to defend in the final three minutes, saving his energy for the tougher challenges ahead. He is now one win away from securing his second CWG medal. He had won a silver medal in the last edition in Gold Coast. He will face 20-year-old Lennon Mulligan from Scotland.
“It was a good workout but it was easy. My opponent was good but he never gave me any problems,” Pinghal said after his win. “I could have extended it but there is still a long way to go and I’m here for the gold. I won the silver medal in Gold Coast and I’m here to get a better place. “I’m only interested in the gold medal. So I took it on points, so that’s a little bit in the ring.” Good job,” he added.
The previous edition’s bronze medalist, Hussamuddin, also put in a strong performance in his high-speed competition. The 28-year-old Indian was at his best in his counter-attack as he danced in the ring with sharp punches.
They will fancy their chances of a second CWG medal as they face Namibia’s Tryagain Morning Ndevelo in the quarter-finals.
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