Commonwealth Games boxing: Amit and Hussamuddin post authoritative wins

Sagar’s spectacular display of power and aggression proves too much for Cameroon’s Maxime Njieyo

World championships silver medallist Amit Panghal (51kg) and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Mohammad Hussamuddin (57kg) recorded authoritative wins to move into the quarterfinals of their respective weight categories in the boxing arena of the Commonwealth Games here on Monday.

Rookie southpaw Sagar Ahlawat (92kg) also scripted a fine victory on Sunday night to reach the last-eight.

A clinical Amit registered a comprehensive 5-0 win over Vanuatu’s Namri Berri in a first round match. The decorated Indian will face Scotland’s Lennon Mulligan in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

Amit underscored the wide difference in class between him and his opponent. He exhibited his excellent footwork and moved in and out of Berri’s grasp to land punches at will.

The diminutive southpaw was hardly distracted after dropping his gum-shield in the opening round, and explored different angles to execute his jabs and combinations.

The Indian’s teasing evasive skills not only denied his rival clean shots, but also frustrated him throughout the lopsided contest.

Hussamuddin was too good for Bangladesh’s Md. Salim Hossain, who boxed too cautiously throughout the bout.