Manoj Kumar wins opening bout at Asian Boxing

Manoj Kumar (64kg) recorded a resounding victory against Ibrahim Saleh of Jordan in the first round of the Asian Boxing Championships here.

Manoj, gold medallist at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, surprised the short but strong local lad with his aggressive intent and pace. Making full use of his height, the Indian dominated the proceedings throughout the bout, never allowing Saleh to settle down.

By the final round, Manoj, a silver medallist at the recently concluded Limassol Boxing Cup in Cyprus, had the clear advantage with fatigue setting in the Jordan boxer.

The 26-year-old advanced into the round of 16 with victory by virtue of a unanimous decision. He now takes on Lac Mohamed Dilshan of Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

Thursday will see two more Indian boxers take to the ring. Jagroop Singh (81 kg) makes his debut at the Asian Championships against Uzbekistan's Boburbek Yuldashev, who competed in the event's last edition in Incheon.

He also secured his career highlight with a silver medal at the Great Silk Way Tournament in Baku this March. Reigning national champion in the lightweight division, Vikas Malik (60kg) will lock horns with Nooristani Khaibar of Afghanistan.

The new approved AIBA Scoring System the 'Ten-Point Must System' will be used during the Championships.