Assams star boxer Shiva Thapa produced yet another stellar performance to punch his way into the semi-finals of the 2nd Elite Mens National Boxing Championship at the Swarna Bharati Indoor Stadium here on Saturday.
Taking on local favourite Durga Rao in the lightweight (60 kilogram) category, Shiva was at his clinical best as he routed his opponent 5-0. He is now assured of at least a bronze medal if not a third national championship crown.
The feisty 2015 World Championship bronze medalist, who had beaten Durga back in 2011, came into the match well prepared. He was also cautious as he was aware of his opponent's caliber.
"He is someone you would want to avoid in a crucial bout like this," Shiva said after his win.
"I know I have beaten him in the past but he is a very good boxer and I had to come fully prepared and with a set strategy," he added.
"He is hard puncher and does not move around much which makes it difficult to go at him toe to toe. So I had to move and attacked him on the counter when he tried coming close to me. It worked for me in the ring today. The verdict may be a unanimous one in my favour but I must admit it was not an easy win at all," he conceded.
Manoj Kumar of Railways also progressed into the last four stage with a sublime 5:0 victory over Pawan of Haryana in the welterweight (69kg) category.
Elsewhere, Dheeraj of Services downed Rohit Tokas 4:1, while local lad K Kranthi went down 1:4 to Railways boxer K. Shyam Sundar.
--IANS
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