National boxing: Lovlina edges Saweety; Panghal survives Priyanshu’s challenge

It was expected to be a fiery contest and it did not disappoint. Former World championship silver medallist Saweety Boora faced off against Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain in the second round of the 75kg at the National boxing championships and the latter took the honours, winning a close contest 3-2 at the Gautam Buddha University here on Tuesday.

It was the most awaited bout of the day and there was no tentativeness or sizing up between the two boxers. Saweety was on the attack from the beginning and kept up the punches, relying more on speed and aggression. It took Lovlina by surprise and the opening round duly went to the elder pro from Haryana. But Lovlina gradually asserted herself, using her height and reach to advantage, pushing back Saweety and taking the second round by the flimsiest of margins even as the bout resembled more of a wrestling contest. Both also received a warning each from the referee, but the physical play continued before the decision went in the Assamese boxer’s favour.

“I am disappointed with the result because if you see the entire bout even in slow motion, none of the punches she was awarded points for even touched me. But I am not really upset because I am used to it. Whether in selections or competitions, I have never had it easy. I have to completely dominate my opponent to be considered a winner and I am ready for that,” Saweety said after the bout.

Amit Panghal, too, barely escaped an upset in the 55kg. Haryana youngster Priyanshu won the opening round before Panghal took the second and dominated the third.

He brought all his experience to edge his opponent and stayed on course for a showdown with Jadumani Singh.

Most of the other favourites had it easy. Nitu Ghanghas (51kg) and Sakshi Chaudhary (54kg) won in less than a minute each as the referee stopped the contests in the first round while Hussamuddin won 5-0 against Ashish (60kg).

Important results: Women: 51kg: Nitu Ghanghas (Har) bt Priya (HP) RSC; 54kg: Sakshi Chaudhary (SSCB) bt Manasa Veni Anakapalli (AP) RSC.; 75kg: Lovlina Borgohain (Asm) bt Saweety Boora (Har) 3-2.

Men: 55kg: Jadumani Singh (SSCB) bt R. Parthiban (TN) RSC; Amit Panghal (SSCB) bt Priyanshu (Har) 3-2; 60kg: Hussamuddin (SSCB) bt Ashish (HP) 5-0.