Indian boxers settle for bronze in World Cup

NEW DELHI: Indian boxers Lalit Anthresh Lakra, Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar lost their respective semi-finals bout in the boxing World Cup in Mo

scow and settled for bronze medals. All three Indian boxers were beaten on point by their Cuban counterparts on Saturday.

Lalit Anthresh Lakra was outclassed by Idel Torriente from Cuba and lost the semi-finals bout 6:3 in their 57kg category bout. Lakra was the third Indian to lose semi-finals bout in this event so far.

Jitender Kumar was first to lose his semi-finals bout, when Cuba's Hernandez Laffita beat him on points (14:6) in their 51kg category bout.

Akhil (54kg) was then beaten by another Cuban and Olympic silver medallist Yankiel Leon Alarcon in a close fight. Both were tied 4-4 on points after four rounds but the Cuban was declared winner after punches landed on the opponents were counted.

India's hope now pinned on Dinesh Kumar (81kg), who will face Artur Beterbiev from Russia in his semi-finals bout later on Saturday.

The quartet has already made history at the event by ensuring an unprecedented four bronze medals, besides a prize money of $2,500 each. Their sensational performance has put India on the tied third spot in the overall standings behind Russia and Cuba so far.