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Nitu Ghanghas (48kg) and Saweety Boora (81kg) have been crowned world champions after notching up contrasting victories at the World Boxing Championships on Saturday.
Defeating Mongolia’s Lutsaikhan Altansetseg 5-0, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Nitu claimed the title in the minimum weight division. In addition to Nitu, bronze medalist Vijender Singh was also in attendance. Defeating two-time medalist China’s Wang Lina, Sweety made it two out of two for the hosts.
Incredible day for Indian Boxing as Nitu Ghangas and Saweety Boora strike Gold and are the new Boxing World Champions! 🏆🥇🇮🇳#Boxing #WWCHDelhi pic.twitter.com/fJdElaesFv
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 25, 2023
In the first bout of the day, Nitu started aggressively and effectively using her combination of punches, landing jabs and hooks. The 22-year-old Bhiwani boxer won the first round 5-0. She began the second round with straight jabs.
The Indian southpaw countered Altansetseg’s attack with right hooks. Nitu was penalized for clinching toward the end of round two for fighting close range and engaging in holding.
Although Altansetseg made a strong comeback in the round, Nitu still won the match 3-2. While Nitu avoided getting too close to her opponent, she soon reverted to playing from close quarters. As a consequence of clinching, Altansetseg was also penalized.
Nitu has been unbeatable in the tournament, winning her first three bouts by resolving the contest with a referee. Against Alua Balkibekova, who knocked her out in the last edition at the quarter-final stage, she skilfully adapted to negate the most vital point of her opponent.
Among their peers are six-time champion Mary Kom (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018), Sarita Devi (2006), Jenny RL (2006), Lekha KC (2006), and Nikhat Zareen (2022).