Mohammed Hussamuddin braved a ‘serious’ cut before winning bronze at Cologne World Cup

The Indian contingent returned from the recently concluded Cologne Boxing World Cup with a rich haul of nine medals, including three gold medals. 

Nizamabad-based pugilist Mohammed Hussamuddin also contributed to the tally and made the country proud by bagging a bronze medal in the 57kg category in the World Cup. It was his first major medal after clinching the third podium spot at the 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. 

His bronze medal in Cologne, however, was not straightforward. Hussamuddin revealed that he had to brave a serious cut on his left-eyebrow he suffered during his quarter-final win over Umar Bajwa of Germany. He was hampered by that injury in the semifinal against another German boxer in H Shadalov and had to settle for the bronze. 

He said that the cut on his eyebrow made him uncomfortable in the semi-finals.

“I was in good form and I had a good bout against the German in the first match. But unfortunately I got a big cut on my left eye during the bout. Although I won, I was very uncomfortable in my semifinal match against another German,’’ Hussamuddin told Telangana Today.

But Hussamuddin has taken the slight misfortune in his stride and is extremely happy with his performance in the World Cup. 

The boxing qualification events for the Tokyo Olympics begins in March, 2021 and the medal at the World Cup serves as a big boost for the pugilist. He is planning to improve on his defence and fitness in due course with a target to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

“A lot of focus was on fitness. I could improve my defence. I’m a much improved boxer now,‘’ Hussamuddin said. 

“I have a chance to box in the Tokyo Olympics and the qualifying tournaments will be held from March. I’m in good shape and looking forward to qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics. Hopefully, I can make the cut,’’ he added.