MC Mary Kom, Manisha Moun in quarterfinals

New Delhi: It was another fruitful day for Indian pugilists as four boxers M.C. Mary Kom, Manisha Moun, Bhagyabati Kachari and Lovlina Borgohain advanced to the quarterfinals at the Aiba Women’s World Boxing Championship here on Sunday.

The only blemish was when L. Sarita Devi lost a close bout in the lightweight (60kg) category.

Five-time world champion Mary Kom hammered Kazakhstan’s Aigerim Kassenayeva 5-0. “Feeling good, the pressure is off,” Mary,  mother-of-three, said after her bout.

The fit and agile Mary Kom used her experience and quick reflexes to the fullest to kept her Kazakh opponent on her toes. She was patient and waited for the right openings to clinch crucial points.

Meanwhile, Sarita went down fighting to Ireland’s Kellie Harrington, who returned to the Worlds after 12 years, with a split 2-3 verdict in the pre-quarters. Three out of five judges ruled 29-28 in favour of the Irish boxer.

Meanwhile, young sensation Manisha extended her dominance to destroy world champion Dina Zholaman of Kazakhstan in the 54kg by a unanimous decision. She is just one win away from a medal. Manisha’s powerful jabs were too hot for Dina as the Haryana girl was playing with an open guard. Dina was much defensive in her approach but Manisha displayed good footwork and a longer reach to land blows on her face in the opening round.

Two other Indians, Lovlina Borgohain (69kg) and Kachari Bhagyabati (81kg), also made it to the quarterfinals with 5-0 and 4-1 wins in their respective bouts.