World Boxing Cup: Strategically Astute Hitesh Becomes First Indian Finalist
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Synopsis
National champion Hitesh has made history by becoming the first Indian boxer to reach the finals of the World Boxing Cup Brazil 2025, showcasing his tactical brilliance by defeating Makan Traore of France in a decisive 5:0 victory.
Key Takeaways
- Hitesh becomes the first Indian to reach World Boxing Cup final.
- Defeated France’s Makan Traore 5:0 in the semifinals.
- Will face England’s Odel Kamara in the final.
- Jadumani Singh Mandengbam narrowly lost in the semifinals.
- Strong performances from other Indian boxers in earlier rounds.
New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) National champion Hitesh exhibited remarkable strategic awareness to defeat France’s Makan Traore 5:0 in the 70kg bout, making him the first Indian boxer to advance to the final of the World Boxing Cup Brazil 2025 in Foz Do Iguacu on Thursday.
The Indian pugilist initially took a measured approach against Olympian Traore but continually sought opportunities for counterattacks.
This strategy enabled Hitesh to dictate the tempo of the match, and despite receiving a penalty in the third and final round, the outcome was never in doubt. He is set to face Odel Kamara of England in the championship showdown.
Among the other Indian competitors, Jadumani Singh Mandengbam fought valiantly against former Asian U-22 champion Asilbek Jalilov from Uzbekistan, but ultimately lost by a 2:3 split decision in the 50kg semifinals.
Vishal faced a tough opponent in Turabek Khabibullaev of Uzbekistan, going down 0:5 in the 90kg semifinal, while Sachin fell short against Poland’s Pawel Brach in the 60kg bout.
Earlier, Manish Rathore, Hitesh, and Abhinash Jamwal showcased their title aspirations with decisive wins in the quarterfinals of their respective weight classes on Wednesday.
Jamwal secured a unanimous decision against Germany’s Denis Bril in the 65kg category, while Hitesh triumphed over Italy’s Gabriele Guidi Rontani with the same scoreline in the 70kg.
In the 55kg category, Manish Rathore faced Australia’s Paris Olympian Yusuf Chothia, demonstrating his readiness for any challenge. Both fighters maintained a tight contest over three rounds, with Rathore emerging victorious as three judges favored him while two scored it evenly.
