AIBA Boxing C'ship: Sonia enters pre-quarterfinals

Indian boxer Sonia on Saturday made her way into the pre-quarterfinals of the ongoing 10th International Boxing Association (AIBA) Women's World Boxing Championships after getting a unanimous decision over her Moroccan rival Doaa Toujani here at the KD Jhadav Hall.

The 21-year-old featherweight (57 kg) boxer from Bhiwani had an unorthodox approach but impressive enough for the five judges to give the decision (5:0) in her favour.

Talking about her maiden appearance in the prestigious championship, Sonia said, "I knew I had to maintain my distance and go close only to find openings. I was successful on a few occasions each in the first two rounds."

"In the third, I went all out and used my combination punches. My coaches said I was doing well and gave me the confidence to attack," she added

The rookie who is making her debut began with an open guard inviting the Morocco pugilist to take the initiative. Sonia, with a nice evasive action, managed to land a couple of left jabs and one straight during the first round which looked a close one.

Sonia continued with her left jabs, trying to land on the real scoring areas of her opponent using her unconventional methods, especially with the right. The experienced Moroccan, too, changed her strategy and lowered the guard more out of frustration than anything else. Though she did manage a few blows, she struggled to connect Sonia's punches.

However, the third round proved to be very decisive when the Indian landed a right, then a combination of right-left and a left jab, even as clenches from both pugilists getting out of control, seeking referee's intervention. But the verdict went in favour of Sonia as four of five judges gave full points, while one judge awarded a pointless.

The Indian campaigner, who settled for a bronze medal earlier this year at the Ahmet Comert Boxing Tournament, will next take on former world champion Stanimira Petrova of Bulgaria in AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships.