New Delhi, Sept 10: Two-time champion Nikhat Zareen survived a gritty test to edge past Japan’s Yuna Nishinaka and progress to the quarterfinals of the World Boxing Championships here on Tuesday.Unseeded in the draw, Nikhat overcame a scrappy women’s 51kg round of 16 contest to secure a unanimous decision, though the scoreline did not reflect the stiff resistance from her 21-year-old opponent.
Nishinaka troubled the Indian with constant clinching and was docked two points for excessive holding.
Both boxers started aggressively, surging forward with intent. Nikhat landed a couple of early hooks, but the round was fragmented by repeated tangles, and the Japanese fighter edged it 3-2 on the cards.
In the second, Nikhat adjusted, landing cleaner shots while Nishinaka continued to tie her up by hooking her arm around the Indian’s neck. The 29-year-old responded with sharper counters, taking the round 4-1.