Thapa gets US visa for World Series Boxing debut

Young boxer Shiva Thapa is set for his first bout in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) with team USA Knockouts after he was granted American visa to reach Miami in time for the Jan 17 tie against Ukraine Otamans. Sumit Sangwan, however, is yet to get his visa. The two are the only Indians to sign with a foreign franchise in the semi-professional competition.

"Shiva got his visa three days ago. He will be leaving for Miami day after. Sumit will be appearing for his visa interview Monday and we are hoping he too gets it soon," Maneesh Bahuguna, their manager and CEO of Anglian Medal Hunt, told IANS.

Thapa faces World Championship bronze medallist Mykola Butsenko in the 56kg category and it will be interesting to see how he fares bare-chested and without headgear.

A total of five bouts of three minutes each will take place in round six of the tournament.

Thapa's career has been on the rise after he became the youngest Indian to win a gold at the Asian Championships. He achieved the feat last year in Amman, Jordan. The Guwahati-based boxer was one of the youngest to qualify for the London Olympics.

In October, both Thapa and Sangwan made the quarters of the World Championships in Azerbaijan.

Sangwan has been signed to compete in the 81kg category.