AIBA Women’s Boxing Championship: Mary Kom storms into final; one-step away from sixth gold medal

Premier Indian boxer MC Mary Kom stormed into the final after beating North Korea’s Kim Hyang Mi in the 48kg category women’s semi-final event at the AIBA World Women’s Boxing Championship on Thursday. The victory keeps her just one step away from an unprecedented sixth gold medal at the tournament.

Unable to overpower her Korean opponent, who enjoyed a bigger physical presence and a greater reach, the experienced Olympic medallist showed a tactical masterclass by outstepping her opponent with quick feet movements. She avoided a flurry of punches from her taller rival to keep on scoring points.

Mary Kom you beauty! She storms into Final (48 kg) of World Boxing Championships as beats North Korean pugilist Kim Hyang Mi by unanimous verdict.
Mary Kom had earlier beaten the same opponent in Final of
Asian Boxing Championship last year pic.twitter.com/pLgbV4iN5R

— India_AllSports (@India_AllSports) November 22, 2018

Also Read: AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships: Lovlina Borgohain assures India of another medal

Her flawless technique was on display especially in the second round when she used both of her arms cleverly to land some crucial punches on her opponent that eventually helped her secure the victory.

She had earlier surpassed China’s Yu Wu 5-0 in the 48kg quarterfinal bout to reach the semis. With five successive gold medals and a silver at the championships, the Manipuri boxer – a mother of three – is currently tied with Irish legend Katie Taylor (five gold and a bronze) on the number of maximum medals won.

Best Wishes to Mary Kom didi for the semifinal bout of the World Championships. Go for Gold!??#WWCHs2018 @MangteC @BFI_official

— Rani Rampal (@imranirampal) November 22, 2018

Mary’s five gold medals are unprecedented and came in the period between 2002 and 2010. Her last medal at the Championship was her last gold in 2010.