The third day of competition at the AIBA World Boxing Championships got off to an explosive start on Thursday afternoon, with a huge upset in the opening bout.

Watched in the stands by the mighty Manny Pacquiao, young Filipino Rogen Ladon swarmed the light-flyweight favourite Joselito Velazquez with lightening-fast combinations from the opening bell. Velazquez steadied midway through the first round, but found himself overaught, crashing out 3:0 to the delight of the crowd.

“I felt I shined in the ring today. Our legend Manny Pacquaio was in the venue and I felt his support. I thank God I beat my Mexican rival and needs only one step to get a medal in the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships. Still can’t believe it,” said Ladon following his remarkable victory.

India’s former ASBC Asian Champion Shiva Thapa looked to be on the back foot after two rounds against Morocco’s WSB boxer Mohamed Hamout, but he steadied himself enough to deliver a lethal left hook knock out and win their Bantamweight class bout.

Current light welterweight EUBC European Champion Vitaliy Dunaytsev turned his contest against Britain’s Pat McCormack around after looking sluggish early on. The Russian southpaw booked his place in the last 16 with a comfortable points win.

WSB Team Champion and London 2012 bronze medallist Yasnier Toledo was the first Cuban boxer in action in Doha. Leading from the front, he won all his rounds against Morocco’s Abdelhak Aatakni and looked a strong contender for the light welterweight title.

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