Indian pugilist Nishant Dev moves to second round, defeating Britain’s Lewis Richardson at World Olympic Boxing Qualifiers in Italy

Indian boxer Nishant Dev secured victory over Great Britain’s Lewis Richardson in the opening round bout of the 71 kg weight category at the World Olympic Boxing Qualifiers in Italy and moved to the second round. This marks India’s first win in the tournament following the elimination of five other Indian boxers in the opening round.
 
Last night, six-time Asian Championships 63.5 weight category pugilist Shiva Thapa lost his bout against the reigning world champion Ruslan Abdullaev of Uzbekistan. Boxers who do not secure quotas in this event will have a final opportunity to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games during the second World Olympic Boxing Qualifier, set to take place in Bangkok from 23rd May to 3rd June.