Vijender, competing in the middleweight category (75kg), outclassed Dick Ombaka of Kenya 15-1. In fact, the referee intervened and stopped the bout after the second round as the Bhiwani boxer looked vastly superior.
His straight punches and body blows were too hot for Ombaka to handle and one of Vijender’s mighty punches even floored the Kenyan, prompting the referee to make a count-out. “I knew it would be a sell-out turnout for me. Rahul Gandhi was there in the audience, so this win is very special for me,” said Vijender.
Jai Bhagwan, competing in the lightweight (60 kg) category, too came up with an impressive show. The Asian silver medallist quelled the challenge of Tanzania’s Nasser Mafuru quite easily 11-2 to book a last eight berth. Fighting in the welterweight section (69 kg), Dilbagh Singh too stormed into the quarterfs with a 11-3 win over Trinidad & Tobago’s Aaron Prince.
Published 08 October 2010, 13:49 IST