Arjuna awardee boxer believes his protege has proved to be world class boxer after fabulous display
Akhil Kumar has praised his protege Mandeep Jhangra for his performance at the commonwealth game in Glasgow (Photo: Facebook)
Mumbai: The swagger with which he enters the ring, his nimble foot movement and a low guard that tempts and teases the opponent to have a go at his face are enough indications that welterweight pugilist Mandeep Jangra follows his mentor Akhil Kumar to the tee. Competing in the 69kg category, Mandeep, playing his first major international tournament proved to a revelation.
He breezed past his opponents into the final but lost to England’s Scott Fitzgerald.Jangra’s mentor was all praise for his pupil though. “He has proved that he is a world class boxer. He was the fittest in his weight category. All his bouts leading up to the finals were one-sided.”Akhil backed his protégé to continue with his open style. “I have always said offence is the best defence. One defeat of his and many boxing experts have emerged. I am happy with criticism too as it shows our sport is getting some attention.”
“I see no problem in Mandeep’s technique. If the final, he got a brutal left hook but he still carried on. It shows he is strong,” Akhil said.
Next Story
