Mary Kom defeated reigning Olympic medallist Ingrit Valencia by unanimous decision 5-0 decision to enter the semi-finals in the 51kg category. Thus, she is confirmed of a medal in Ulan-Ude, Russia. This is her first medal in the 51kg section
Ulan-Ude (Russia): MC Mary Kom created history on Thursday (October 10) after she was assured of a medal at the ongoing World Women’s Boxing Championships. This will be a record eighth World Championship medal for India’s star.
Mary defeated reigning Olympic medallist Ingrit Valencia of Colombia by unanimous decision 5-0 decision to enter the semi-finals in the 51kg category. Thus, she is confirmed of a medal in Ulan-Ude, Russia. This is her first medal in the 51kg section.
Also read: Mary Kom wins award
Earlier, on Tuesday (October 8), six-time world champion Mary advanced to the quarterfinals after a hard-fought victory in the last-16 stage here.
Mary triumphed 5-0 against Thailand's Jutamas Jitpong, a spunky boxer who kept the veteran on her toes with an aggressive approach but just did not connect enough.
Also read: Mary Kom wins gold medal
The third-seeded Indian, who got a bye in the opening round, spent the first three minutes getting a good measure of her opponent before taking control of the proceedings.
Mary, chasing her first world medal in the 51kg division, picked up pace in the second round and was especially sharp with her counter-attacks.
Also read: I will try to win gold, says Mary Kom
However, there was disappointment for India when former silver-medallist Saweety Boora (75kg) lost her pre-quarterfinal bout in a split decision despite a valiant fight.
Boora was up against second-seeded Welshwoman Lauren Price. Price is a European Games gold-medallist and fetched a bronze in the last edition of the world showpiece.
She is also the reigning Commonwealth Games champion besides, being a three-time bronze-medallist at the European Championships.
With a fancied opponent like Price, it was never going to be easy for the Indian but she put her best foot forward. Boora seemed unfazed by her rival's reputation and managed to match her punch for punch for most part of the bout.
However, in the final analysis, the judges ruled 3-1 in Price's favour.
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