Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen became world champion by defeating Thailand’s Jitpong Jutamas 5-0 in the one-sided final of the flyweight (52kg) category of the Women’s World Championships in Istanbul on Thursday. Telangana’s boxer Zareen defeated Thailand’s opponent by unanimous decision. With this victory, Zareen became only the fifth Indian female boxer to become a world champion.
Six-time champion MC Mary Kom (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018), Sarita Devi (2006), Jenny RL (2006) and Lekha KC have previously won world titles. Besides Zareen’s gold medals, Manisha Mon (57kg) and debutant Parveen Hooda (63kg) won bronze medals.
A 12-member contingent from India took part in the tournament. India’s medal tally declined by one medal compared to the previous tournament, but four years later an Indian boxer became the world champion. Mary Kom had won the last gold medal for India in 2018. Nikhat got off to a good start and put up a brilliant punch to take the lead in the opening three minutes against a confident Jitpong Jutamas.
Jitpong Jutamas came into the match after defeating three-time World Championships medalist Zaina Shekarbekova of Kazakhstan. The 25-year-old Indian took full advantage of his long reach and continued his dominance against the Thai boxer, whom he defeated in the 2019 Thailand Open semi-final. Earlier, there was only one match between the two, in which Nikhat got the silver medal.