India’s Satish Kumar advances to boxing quarter-finals at Tokyo Olympics
Satish Kumar defeated Jamaica’s Ricardo Brown by a 4:1 split decision in the men’s +91kg (super heavyweight) category.
India’s first super-heavyweight Olympic boxer Satish Kumar registered a comprehensive win against Ricardo Brown from Jamaica in the +91kg round of 16 bout and advanced to the quarter-finals at the Tokyo Olympics.
Making his Olympic debut at the age of 32, Satish Kumar won the super heavyweight bout by a 4:1 split verdict at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena.
The opening round was a cagey affair, with both keeping their distance before Ricardo upped the offence. But Satish Kumar was able to defend most of the attacks from the Jamaican.
The Indian also landed more punches through his better timing and earned points from all five judges.
Ricardo, also an Olympic debutant, remained the aggressor in the second round as well but wasn’t able to trouble Satish much. The Indian boxer defended brilliantly and landed timely hooks and jabs.
Satish, however, suffered a slight cut above his right eye and was given prompt medical attention.
With fatigue kicking in, the two super heavyweight boxers slowed down in the final round.
After winning the first two, Satish continued his defensive tactics in the third. However, it was an improved performance from Ricardo as he tagged the Indian with left hooks and body punches.
It wasn’t enough from the Jamaican as Satish, a two-time Asian Championship bronze medallist, stepped out of the ring victorious.
Satish Kumar will be next in action in the quarter-final where he will face current world champion Bakhodir Jalolov of Uzbekistan on Sunday.