World Boxing Cup Finals: How Hitesh evaded Okazawa’s long reach and stunned former world champion to enter semis

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As the referee raised Hitesh’s hand after his quarter-final bout against former World Champion Sewon Okazawa of Japan, the sparse crowd in Greater Noida raised the decibel level to the highest.

It was an upset as the young Indian took down Asian Games gold medallist and multiple World Championships medallist by split decision 3-2.

The bout was a close one and the Japanese, known for his distinctive style of boxing, pushed Hitesh to his limits. “I am delighted. He is an Olympian and also won a silver at the recent World championships. I had to use my brain more against him,” Hitesh said after his bout.

The bout started with Okazawa doing his usual tricks and keeping away from the reach of the Indian boxer. However, Hitesh came prepared for the same. “My plan was to not get tangled into his way of boxing. I knew he keeps away and lands punches when there is a chance, I just avoided his ploy,” explained Hitesh.

Hitesh won the first round 3-2 but it was very closely fought. The Indian won the second round by an identical scoreline. In the end, Hitesh kept away from Okazawa in the third round and secured one of the biggest wins of his career. “This is a very important win for me as I failed to go beyond the first round in the World Championships,” said Hitesh.

When asked if the presence of the home crowd affected him, Hitesh said, “Usually, when we play outside, we don’t have this kind of support. Today, my family and friends were here and it elevated my performance.”

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After World championships medallist and Olympian Nishant Dev turned pro earlier this year, Hitesh has been India’s representative in the 70 kg category and won gold and silver at the World Cups in Brazil and Kazakhstan, respectively, this year.

Hitesh will be up against Ismoilov Mukhammadazizbek of Uzbekistan in the semi-final. The Uzbek pugilist defeated Kim Joonsu of Korea in the semi-finals.

Alongside Hitesh, Jadumani Singh (50kg), Pawan Bartwal (55kg), Sumit Kundu (75kg) and Naveen Kumar (90kg), also won their respective quarterfinals.

On Tuesday, 48 kg World champion Minakshi Hooda will go up against Bak Chorong of Korea while Asian Games bronze medallist Parveen Hooda will be up against Rygielska Aneta Elżbieta of Poland in the 60 kg.

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