Akhil weaves past world champ

The Haryana boxer, trailing 2-6 at one stage, drew parity in the dying seconds and won on points to reach the quarter-finals of the 54kg category at the Workers’ Gymnasium.

Though the boxer insists he is not ready to settle for anything less than the gold, he will be assured of at least a bronze if he wins his quarter-final bout on Sunday.

The Russian world champion grabbed the early initiative and had a slight edge in both the rounds as he raced to a 6-2 lead midway through the third round.

Offensive strategy

To make it even more difficult for the Indian, the Russian used both the orthodox and southpaw stance but it did not really pay off as Akhil went on the offensive. And the fact that the Russian decided to sit back and defend his single-point lead did not help at all.

Akhil eventually prevailed in the third round to reduce the gap — to 7-8 — before landing a couple of punches in the final round to draw parity at 9-9.

As per the rules, a boxer gets a point only when at least three of the five judges hit the button. If there is a tie, the highest and lowest scores for each boxer are discarded and only the scores awarded by the other three judges are considered

“It was not easy, for he is the world champion but once I levelled the score, I knew I cannot lose,” said Akhil. “It’s not possible to assure you of the gold but I can tell you that I’m here to win only gold,” said the boxer. “I know things would not be easier, in fact it would get even more difficult from now onwards. But I’m here to do my job and return with the gold.

“If luck decides the outcome, I may return with the bronze. But if confidence is the determining factor, gold is mine,” he thundered.

Coach G S Sandhu was effusive in praise for his ward and said, “Only Akhil could have done that. He was confident all along and he proved that it was not mere wishful thinking on his part. We are so proud of him.

“The job, however, is not done yet, even though the win would have filled him with more confidence. Trailing 2-6, few would have come out a winner but he managed that. He is supremely confident and knows what he is going to do.”