London: India’s top pugilist Vijender Singh, touted as a serious medal contender, kept his reputation intact as he cruised into the pre-quarterfinals of the boxing event at the Olympics with a comfortable win over Kazakhstan’s Danabek Sukhanov here.
The 27-year-old Vijender, a bronze medallist in the Beijing Games four years ago, was a trifle cautious in the first round as he wasn’t in an attacking mode, preferring to gauge his opponent’s strategy, but opened up subsequently to carve out a comfortable 14-10 verdict.
The Haryana boxer was tactically superior than his opponent and also put his reach to good use to keep himself on course for a second Olympic medal.
Although he was generally defensive in the first round, Vijender did unleash a few punches to take the honours with a 5-4 margin.
Vijender, who also won the gold medal in the Commonwealth Championship, had a decisive edge in the first round. He put up a more dominating show in the second round which he took with a 4-3 verdict and consolidated his position in the third and final round to eventually emerge victorious without really being under any serious pressure.
The Kazakh did manage to score points against the Indian but never really looked like springing a major surprise.
Vijender will now take on Terrell Gausha of the USA in the pre-quarters on August 2. Gausha got the better of Andranik Hukobyan of Armenia in the opening round.
Jai Bhagwan wins bout
Meanwhile, Vijender’s compatriot Jai Bhagwan produced a dominating performance to storm into the pre-quarterfinals of the lightweight (60kg) category on Sunday.
Participating in his maiden Olympics at the age of 26, Bhagwan was in complete control of the bout from the onset as he thrashed his opponent Andrique Allisop of Seychelles 18-8 in the opening round.
Bhagwan completely outclassed his opponent in attack and defence. He will now face Gani Zhailauov of Kazakhstan. (PTI)