Amandeep recorded a convincing 7-1 win over Malaysian boxer Redzuan to book a berth in the 49 kg final of the XXX Energy Drink Commonwealth boxing championship at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium here on Tuesday.
In addition to Amandeep's effort, Jai Bhagwan's walkover against Englishman Danny Phillips, who opted out because of an upset stomach, ensured India's presence in six of the 10 title clashes to be held on Wednesday.
On Monday, Suranjoy Singh (52 kg), Vijender Singh (75 kg), Dinesh Kumar (81 kg) and Paramjeet Samota (+91 kg) had made the finals.
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Amandeep's swings earned him a comfortable 3-0 lead in the first round. Asked by the coaches to maintain restraint, the South Asian Games champion relied on his good footwork to avoid Redzuan's fiery attacks in the next round.
The Malaysian's onslaught, which continued in the final round as well, had more rush of blood than conviction.
Amandeep nicely executed some counter-attacks to gather two points while giving away just one in the final round.
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He gained a couple more from the warning served to the Malaysian for holding.
In control
“He (Amandeep) was not able to give his best today. But we knew the bout was in our control, so we advised him to be careful,” India Chief Coach G.S. Sandhu said.
“He gained from the experience of practising with Nanao (a short boxer with a strong left hand like Redzuan),” Sandhu said. Amandeep said he had seen Kenyan Peter Mungai and was ready to fight with him in the final.
Jai Bhagwan will take on Valention Knowles of the Bahamas in the fight for the 60 kg gold.
Upset
Giant-killer Ian Weaver of England caused another upset by outpunching Olympic bronze medal winner Bruno Julie of Mauritius 12-3.
Weaver had beaten World Cup medallist Akhil Kumar to reach the semifinals.
Keeping their guards low, both Akhil and Julie box in a similar fashion.
Thus, after his win against the Indian, it was an easier task for Weaver to see off the Mauritian.
The results (semifinals):49 kg: Peter Mungai (Ken) bt Bathusi Mogajane (Bot) 7-0, Amandeep (Ind) bt Redzuan (Mas) 7-1. 56 kg: Ian Weaver (Eng) bt Bruno Julie (Mri) 12-3, M.D.K. Wanniarachchi (SL) bt Tirafalo Seoko (Bot) RSC-H (R2).
60 kg: Valention Knowles (Bah) bt Joseph Njohu (Ken) 4-2, Jai Bhagwan (Ind) w/o Danny Phillips (Eng).
64 kg: Chirs Jenkins (Wal) bt Hashim Petro (Tan) 8-3, Scott Cardle (Eng) bt Richarno Colin (Mri) 10-2.
69 kg: Fred Evans (Wal) bt Callum Smith (Eng) 6-0, Moabi Mothiba (Bot) bt Nivesh Gyadin (Mri) 7-2.