Current Asian champion Shiva Thapa (56kg) and National winner Thokchom Nanao Singh (49kg) reached the pre-quarterfinals, while Beijing Olympics bronze medallist Vijender Singh (75kg) bowed out of the World boxing championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Saturday.
In the round of 32, Thapa shrugged off a slow start in the first round against Mario Fernandez of the Philippines to pick up pace in the next.
He went on to book a place in the pre-quarterfinals through a unanimous decision in his favour. Thapa, seeded fourth in the tournament, will take on Alberto Milan of Argentina next.
Nanao adopted an aggressive approach against Aqeel Ahmed of Scotland to get a unanimous decision and set up a pre-quarterfinal date with eighth-seeded Anthony Rivera Chacon of Puerto Rico.
However, Vijender’s loss was a big blow to the Indian camp. In a close bout, the 2009 World championship bronze medallist lost to reigning European champion and fifth seed Jason Quigley of Ireland. Vijender, who received a warning for landing a low blow in the final round, lost in a split decision.
