Pawan Bartwal successfully opened India's campaign at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, securing a hard-fought, split-decision victory over Brazil's Michael Douglas da Silva Trindade in the men's 55kg opening round. Making his debut on the big stage, Bartwal overcame the Paris Olympian and 2023 Pan American Games silver medallist with a 3-2 victory in a scrappy, back-and-forth contest. The Indian boxer started strong, landing a sharp jab early and increasing his tempo at the end of the first round to narrowly win it 3-2.
Pawan Bartwal shines for India in World Boxing Championships
The Brazilian fighter came back in the second round, forcing Bartwal onto his back foot with a series of powerful punches. Both boxers exchanged blows in a messy, close-quarters exchange, with Trindade ultimately taking the round and leaving the match finely balanced heading into the final round.
In the decisive third round, Bartwal regained control. He unleashed a series of relentless combinations and finished the fight with a strong performance, securing the win. Later in the day, other Indian boxers, including Sakshi (54kg), Sanamacha Chanu (70kg), and Harsh Choudhary (90kg), will begin their respective campaigns.
The Indian boxing contingent has received a favorable draw at the World Boxing Championships, with several key medal contenders avoiding tough opponents in the early stages of the competition. Hitesh Gulia (70kg), Abhinash Jamwal (65kg), two-time champion Nikhat Zareen (51kg), and Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (70kg) are all set for a manageable start.
Both Gulia and Jamwal have been placed in a different half of the draw from their main rivals, Kainan Oliveira and Yuri Falcao from Brazil, respectively. Additionally, Gulia, Jamwal, and Lovlina have all been granted a first-round bye. Nikhat Zareen, on the other hand, will begin her campaign against Jennifer Lozana of the USA.
Among India's other medal hopes, Sakshi (54kg) will start her tournament against Viktoriia Shkeul of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games medallist Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) faces a potentially difficult second-round match. If she wins her opening bout against Daria-Olha Hutarina of Ukraine, she will face the formidable 2023 Pan American Games champion Jucielen Cerqueira Romeu of Brazil.