Women's World Boxing Ch’ships | Compared to last round, quarter-final was easy, says Mary Kom

Six-time World Champion Mary Kom has assured a medal for India in the 51kg category at the Women’s World Boxing Championship by beating Valencia Victoria of Columbia in the quarter-final clash. Meanwhile, after making it to the semi-finals, the Indian pugilist has stated that the quarter-final encounter was much easier compared to the round 16.

“Compared to the pre-quarters, this one was easy. I figured her (Victoria) out quite early in the bout. She was just trying to create an impression by attacking more but I knew I would get my chances,” Mary Kom told PTI.

“The girl I fought in pre-quarters (Thailand’s Jutamas Jitpong), she was tough, very strong. It was tiring to get past her.”

Mary Kom will take on European Championship and European Games gold-medallist Busenaz Cakiroglu of next in her semi-final bout. This will be the first meeting between the two boxers and the Indian has said that these things don’t bother her.

“I have never fought her but then I fought my past two rivals also for the first time here. It doesn’t bother me. But as I always say, I will try my best, but the results are not in my hands,” said the 36-year-old senior boxer.

“I know a lot is expected of me, I would give my all, the job is only half done. I hope to get a gold. The whole country is supporting me like always, I think that should also work for me. Why wouldn’t I win with that huge support?”