Belgrade: Indian Boxer Akash Kumar (54kg) saved the rigid challenge from Puerto Rico’s Caleb Tirado to enter the quarter-finals of the AIBA World Championship on Sunday.
Akash, who received a walkover in the last round, won it 5-0 to make the last eight stages in his debut appearance.
Tirado impressed in the opening round with his body’s shot but Akash was trapped to hit straight and clean, the tactics favored by the judge.
Puerto Rico also suffered a point deduction in the second half after he took a warning because he failed to protect his head.
Then at night, Nishant Dev (71kg) will oppose Alvarez Verde Mexico in the last 16.
Also tonight, the Asian Sanjeet champion (92kg) will take Giorgi Tchigladze Georgia while narender Bermwal (+ 92kg) will each directly fight Jakhon Qurbonov Tajikistan.
Overall 10 Indian boxers have made pre-quarters.
Of these, Govind Sahani (48kg) was overthrown on Saturday.
The golden winner at the exhibition will run away with a $ 100,000 prize.
The silver medalist must be given $ 50,000, and both medalists will be given $ 25,000.
The total gift wallet stands above $ 2.6 million.
India is represented by national champions who rule throughout heavy categories.