Six champions are crowned in New Delhi at IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships
March 25th, 2023 / New Delhi 2023
Six finals concluded at the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, with the medallists crowned in front of a fully packed K.D. Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi.
Commonwealth Games gold medallist, local hopeful Nitu Ghanghas became the first World champion in New Delhi in 48kg weight category. In their high-speed, intense fight with Altantsetseg Lutsaikhan from Mongolia, Nitu took a lead in the first two rounds and confidently won the fight to the excitement of the full tribunes.
‘I trained for the last 12 years, and today I feel so proud of me, my family and coaches, I wanted to win very much, and I did it. I expected myself to win here,’ Nitu Ghanghas said.
Wu Yu from China was the best in the 52kg division and claimed the gold medal. In her final fight against Sirine Charaabi from Italy, she was consistent in her attacks and overcame the opponent by a unanimous decision.
In 57kg, the stakes were high, as two medallists from the previous edition met, Italian Irma Testa and Karina Ibragimova of Kazakhstan. In their rematch, Testa was dominating and took her long-awaited gold medal.
‘I am so proud of me and my way, I worked so much, and this is a result of my hard work. I closed myself in Assisi to train, didn’t see my family, friends, because I had a dream. Now my dream came true,’ Testa almost crying from being over the moon.
Yang Chengyu from China fought against Nataliya Sychugova from Russia in 63kg division. She claimed that her preparation before the start of the championships took only one month, and she managed to reach the top at her first World Championships in her career.
Anastasiia Demurchian from Russia defeated Kaye Scott from Australia in 70kg weight category. The Russian couldn’t help to stop crying after the fight because she was happy.
‘It was very tough to be mentally prepared for this final fight, as I hadn’t competed internationally for a long time. I’ve been preparing for this day for the past six years. Without hard work, it wouldn’t be possible,’ Demurchian said.
In the final fight of the day, Saweety from India challenged Wang Lina from China in 81kg. The crowd roared as after the bout review Saweety was declared the winner.
‘It’s an awesome feeling. I was confident, as I threw many punches. After the referee raised my hand, I was thanking God and my family. The support was incredible here from the beginning. I feel positive and energetic when they cheer me up,’ Saweety said.
The second part of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships finals is scheduled to take place on 26 March.
