Six Indian boxers assured of bronze at Cuban event

Six Indian boxers have made it to the semi-finals of the Giraldo Cordova Cardin Memorial Boxing Tournament in Havana and assured themselves of as many bronze medals.

Nanao Singh (49kg), Suranjoy Singh (52kg) and Santosh Harijan (52kg) were the latest ones to enter the last four with Kuldeep Singh (75kg), Manpreet Singh (91kg) and Paramjeet Samota (91kg) securing a semi-final berth earlier.

Nanao, playing his second international tournament of the year, ousted Elsi of Peru 32:9 in what was a clinical performance. The Asian silver medallist, playing in the light fly weight category, completely dominated his opponent from the word go with his tactics and acute skills. He will now meet Muzaparov of Kazakhstan in the semi-finals.

Suranjoy, making his first international appearance since the 2010 Asian games, showed glimpses of his speed and punching abilities as he trounced his Venezuelan opponent Jesus 27:9. He will take on J Neto of Brazil.

Santosh continued his winning streak against Artur Cremildo of Mozambique. The fast moves and the swift counter attacks of the 23 year old left Cremildo completely at bay. He went on to secure his place in the semi-finals with a 32:8 victory and will lock horns with Cuban Ramirez.

Amandeep Singh (49kg) and Shiva Thapa (56kg) however, bowed out of the competition. Amandeep lost to Veitia Yoswany of Cuba 12:22 while Thapa lost to Robenilson of Brazil 17:7. The 17 -year-old Thapa was a bit unlucky as the Brazilian adopted dodgy tactics, which should have earned him a few cautions.

The tournament will also witness two Indian boxers face off each other. Samota, who usually fights in the super heavy weight category, is testing the competition in the heavy weight division and hence will take on compatriot Manpreet , a silver medallist at the 2010 Asian Games.

Kuldeep will take on Dominican Castillo Junior in his semi-final bout.