nguyen thi tam wins silver at world boxing champs picture 1
Vietnamese fighter Nguyen Thi Tam (left) loses 0-5 to world defending champion Nikhat Zareen at IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in India on Mar. 26 evening. (Photo: TV screenshot).

Before the match, Nikhat was considered the hopeful of the host for the championship title. She was the defending champion in the 52kg class before moving down to the 50kg weight category.

The first round saw Nikhat who received great cheers from home spectators launched many quality right-handed punches towards the Vietnamese boxer. The host boxer received five 10-points from judges, while the visiting fighter got five 9-points, losing the round. 

In the next two rounds, Tam still maintained the attacking tactic, but made no difference. Meanwhile, Nikhat proved to be an experienced fighter when she kept distance and maintained a moderate attacking tempo, securing a 5-0 win in the end.

Winning the match, Nikhat got a gold medal and a bonus of US$100,000, while Tam bagged a silver medal and US$50,000.

Despite her loss, Tam has made history when she became the first Vietnamese boxer to reach the final of a world boxing tournament.

The Vietnamese fighter will fly home to prepare for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to be held in Cambodia in May, and the 19th Asian Games (ASIAD) to be held in China in September. Her goal is to win a ticket to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris (France).

Source: VOV