New Delhi, March 14 (IANS) It was a mixed day for Indian boxers at the Commonwealth Boxing Championship here Sunday with Amandeep and Jai Bhagwan making it to the semi-finals while Olympian Akhil Kumar lost in the quarterfinal.
Amandeep opened the day with a thumping 9-1 victory over Tanzania’s Rajabu Mbwana in the 49 kg category.

In the second bout of the day, there was disappointment in store for the home team as Beijing Olympic quarter-finalist Akhil went down to Ian Weaver of England in the 56 kg

category.

Akhil was leading by three points in the first round, but Weaver fought back to score a 12-6 victory.

Jai Bhagwan in his quarter-final bout defeated Scottish Josh Taylor in the 60 kg category.

Jai dominated the bout to finish with a 7-1 victory.

“My opponent was an intelligent boxer, and it was difficult to punch back, but then I discussed with my coach and changed my strategy. It worked for me,” Jai Bhagwan said.

“I am feeling confident after this win and hope to do better in the semi-finals,” he said.

Chief coach G. S. Sandhu said that Akhil’s loss came as a surprise.

“We never expected Akhil to loose but again it is a part of the game. This event has taught us some lessons which will help my boxers prepare better in future bigger tournaments.”