Gurcharan, lone hope

The 68242; 38221; Punjab boxer will have an advantage of height while taking on Fedtchouck 68242; 18221;, but perhaps what he needs more is the mental make-up, crucial to win big bouts.

The Indian8217;s international exposure should go in his favour. He has quite a few honours to his credit including the gold in the qualifiers in Seoul and bronze at the Bangkok Asian Games. Gurcharan, for whom this is the second Olympics, has so far won 17 international medals, 11 of the golden hue, in 25 tournaments. The last gold medal he bagged was in the Havana International more than a month ago.

On the other hand, 20-year-old Andri is a newcomer to the weight. He entered the 81 kg only this year having fought in the middleweight 75 kg at the Junior World Championships in Argentina in 1998 where he was third and came fifth in the World Championships at Houston USA last year.

Wednesday8217;s bout will be an opportunity of a life time for Gurcharan and India as favourite Cuban boxer Isael Alvarez lost the bout against Kazakhstan8217;s Olzhas Orazaliyev after the doctor stopped the fight in the third round.