Mumbai: Akhil Kumar, who was the quarter-finalist of the 2008 Beijing Olympics began his professional boxing career in style as he registered a technical knock-out victory over Australian opponent Ty Gilchrist in the Junior Welterweight category in Mumbai on Saturday. Thus launching his professional career with a win.
Fellow Indian Jitender Kumar also won via technical knock-out over Thanet Likhitkamporn in the Lightweight category.
A 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Akhil didn’t get to the best of starts as Gilchrist’s blow resulted in a nasty cut below the eye from which blood started oozing out. But that didn’t deter the Indian’s progress as the hooks and uppercuts in his repertoire was enough to earn him a win over the Australian.
The third round didn’t even start as Gilchrist wasn’t in a position to continue after Akhil, who had came out attacking in the second round and had launched a series of right and left hands which struck Gilchrist on the midriff and on the wrist.
In the opening match of the evening, Asad Asif from India beat Philippines’ Larry Abama 40-39-39 in the Super Bantam Weight category (55.3).
The second bout of the day was an all-Indian one as Kuldeep Dhanda beat fellow countryman Sachin Bhot (40-39-39) in the lightweight category (61.2 kgs)
Well not only this but the Indians produced more winners as Dhamendra Grewal and beat Australian Isaac Slade 59-60-59 in the cruiserweight (90.7 kg) section.
Also, India’s Pardeep Kharera beat Thailand’s Wanphichit Sirphana in the welterweight category (66.7) to bring up a technical knock-out victory.