Akash Kumar, Narender Berwal in quarterfinals

Belgrade, October 31

Indian boxers Akash Kumar (54kg) and Narender Berwal (+92kg) advanced to the quarterfinals of the AIBA Men’s World Championships here today, notching up contrasting but exhilarating victories against their respective opponents. While Akash staved off a stiff challenge from Puerto Rico’s Caleb Tirado to clinch it 5-0, Narender pummelled a heavily distracted and mostly sluggish Jakhon Qurbonov of Tajikistan, stopping him in the second round itself.

Akash was up against a sprightly Tirado and he did trouble the Indian with his close-range game. However, Akash stuck to hitting straight and clean, a tactic which found favour with the judges.

Narender pounded Qurbonov with terrific body shots that left the Tajik desperate for a breather in the opening three minutes itself. Qurbonov was scurrying for cover for most of the bout and the referee put an end to his misery about a minute into the second round following a standing eight count. — PTI