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Nikhat, who is unseeded in Paris, was on the backfoot early with Maxi attacking quite aggressively. But Zareen expertly forced her way back to the centre of the ring, connecting some lusty blows. read more
 "Nikhat Zareen enters boxing pre-quarterfinals with valiant win over Germany's Maxi Carina Kloetzer")
India's Nikhat Zareen, fought back valiantly to beat Germany's Maxi Carina Kloetzer and reach te last 16 of women's boxing at the Paris Olympics. AP
Nikhat Zareen, the two-time world champion, on Sunday entered the pre-quarterfinals of the women’s 50 kg boxing event at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a determined victory over Maxi Carina Kloetzer of Germany. The 28 year-old was trailing on three cards after the first round, but did well to beat her German opponent 5-0 in the round of 32 contest at the North Paris Arena.
Nikhat, who is unseeded in Paris, was on the backfoot early with Maxi attacking quite aggressively. But Zareen expertly forced her way back to the centre of the ring, connecting some lusty blows. Both boxers tried to work on each other’s bodies.
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The German, who was at a height disadvantage, used her jab to good effect, taking the first round via a 3-2 split verdict.
The second round was off to a frantic start with both boxers trading punches. But Zareen found her rhythm and connected some lethal hooks on Kloetzer. Both pugilists were trying to impress the judges but Zareen showcased her tactical prowess.
Kloetzer had a point deducted for not keeping her head up but Zareen immediately lost the point advantage as she was penalised for holding a few seconds later.
After the two energy sapping rounds, Zareen continued to land accurate blows, while Kloetzer looked exhausted and resorted to grappling. She was warned by the referee a couple of times as Zareen took the round and the win.
Zareen, who has been handed a tough draw, will take on top-seeded Asian Games and reigning flyweight world champion Wu Yu of China, who received a first round bye, on Thursday.
Zareen is the second Indian boxer to take the ring. Late on Saturday, Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar too began her campaign on a rousing note, as she picked an unanimous decision win over Vietnam’s Vo Thi Kim Anh to move to the pre-quarterfinals in the women’s 54kg category.
With PTI inputs
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