Indian boxer cop Vikas keeps nation's hopes alive in Rio

Dubai - Krishnan overcomes another tough opponent and is one round away from a medal.

Vikas Krishnan, with his southpaw stance overcame another tough hard hitting opponent with a unanimous decision to advance to the quarterfinal of the under 75kg men's boxing competition in Rio.
In Olympic boxing, an entry into semis guarantees one of a medal unlike in some of the other disciplines of the Games. India's poor showing in the Games so far was forgotten for nine minutes on Friday night in the three-round bout when the Indian pugilist, light on his feet and quick to counter attack, was able to subdue the more powerful Onder Sipal of Turkey. The three judges voted in Krishnan's favour in all the three rounds.
The technically sound police officer brought off combinations using jabs and hooks, followed by straight and side jabs effectively on the sturdily built Sipal, also a southpaw but with limitations in his armoury. In the round of 32, Krishnan defeated American Charles Cornell convincingly to wipe off memories of the London Olympics where he was 'defeated' by another American Errol Spence, also in the round of 32.
Vikas was then first declared the winner, but following a protest by the US contingent, the decision was reversed much to the shock of everyone.
moni@khaleejtimes.com