Indian boxers continue to make their punches count on the world stage, even as the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) is reeling under a blow from the world boxing body, AIBA, by way of suspension. Five Indian boxers, three female and two male, are among the world’s top three in AIBA latest world rankings (March 1, 2014) in their respective categories.
M.C. Mary Kom, London Olympics bronze medalist and five-time world women’s boxing champion, occupies the third spot in women’s 51kgs, as per latest rankings on the world boxing body website. This has happened at a time when AIBA removed IABF from the list of affiliated national federations, till the internal administration issues are sorted out.
Indian boxers and coaches will be allowed to compete in international competitions under AIBA banner till then. Pinki Jangra is the highest ranked Indian among these five, listed number two in women’s 45-48 kilos behind Josie Gabuco of Philippines. Kavita Chahal (81-plus kgs) and male boxers L Devendro Singh (46-49 kgs), Shiva Thapa (56kgs) are others in the top three AIBA rankings dated March 1, 2014.
China’s Cancan Ren tops the women’s 51 kgs where Mary Kom competed, followed by England’s Nicola Adams in second place. Mary had lost to Nicola on points at the London Olympics 2012 semifinals. Ren Cancan had clinched gold, defeating home favourite Nicola in the final bout held at Excel Arena.
The Manipuri boxer became the third female individual Olympic medalist for India at London. Saina Nehwal (badminton women singles bronze at Beijing Games 2008), Karnam Malleshwari (weightlifting 69 kgs bronze at Sydney Games 2000) were part of the Olympics medals ceremony so far.
Indian’s other Olympic medalist from the boxing ring, Vijender Singh in 75 kgs category, is ranked number 13 by AIBA. He managed a bronze at Beijing Games 2008. Kazakhstan’s Zhanibak Alimkhanuly is number one in this category.
Rankings as follows:
WOMEN
45-48 kgs: 1. Josie Gabuco (Philippines) 2. Pinki Jangra (India) 3. Shiqi Xu (China).
51 kgs : 1. Cancan Ren (China) 2. Nicola Adams (England) 3. M C Mary Kom (India).
81+ kgs : 1. Yunfei Li (China) 2. Lazzat Kungeibaevya (Kazakstan) 3. Kavita Chahal (India).
MEN
46-48 kgs: 1. Birzhan Zharypov (Kazakhstan) 2. David Ayrapetan (Russia) 3. L Devendro Singh (India).
56 kgs : 1. Robeisy Ramirez Carranza (Cuba) 2. John Michael Conlan (Ireland) 3. Shiva Thapa (India).
