Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The last time Vijender Singh met Attoev Abbos,he defeated the 2007 world light heavyweight champion 10-7 on his way to a bronze medal at the Asian Boxing Championship in May this year. On Friday night,however,the Uzbek exacted his revenge,beating the top-seeded Indian 7-3 in the 75kg category semi-final of the World Boxing Championships in Milan.
Vijender,who was already assured of a medal,started strongly,taking a 1-0 lead in the first round. However,Abbos took him by surprise with a flurry of punches in the second,scoring five points without conceding any.
Im disappointed with the loss. I didnt want to settle for a bronze this time but I guess this was my destiny, Vijender said from Milan. I had defeated him at the Asian Championship and that win was special for me,since I was making a comeback at that time. But I could not capitalise on the lead in the opening round. His defence was solid and he kept attacking after the first round.
Vijender opted for an all-out attack in the final round,but the effort went in vain as Abbos was solid in his defence. I was keen on scoring in the second round but I was completely outplayed. Four points is not much of a difference and I tried coming back but he was more defensive in the final round. But Im happy to break Indias medal jinx at the worlds, Vijender added.
