New Delhi, Mar 26 (PTI) Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen has added a second world championship title, defeating Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Tam in the 50kg event here on Sunday.

Nikhat blanked the two-time Asian champion with a 5-0 decision to clinch the title in front of a packed crowd at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall.

With the win, Nikhat became only the second Indian after MC Mary Kom to win the prestigious title twice.

“I am very happy that I have become a world champion for the second time, especially in an Olympic category,” Nikhat, who won the 52kg title last year, said after her bout.

The first fight of the day between the two Asians was an exciting one that went down to the wire.

“Today’s bout was the toughest for me, she is an Asian champion and my next target is Asian Games and I might meet her, so I will work hard,” Nikhat said.
“It was a roller coaster bout, she got warning, I got warning, she got count so did I. But I went all out.” Nikhat, from the 52 kg favourite, initially seemed to be hesitant as Tam was the first to attack. And after a few seconds, the local favorite jumps forward to attack.

She lands two right hooks, followed by a front. Tam was penalized for falling to the front, declaring the result in Nikhat's favor to take the first three rounds by unanimous decision.

But Tam made a comeback by launching into a fighting position. The southpaw landed several punches, forcing Nikhat to play with his head, earning him a penalty. The Vietnamese managed to win the set 3-2. In the last three minutes, the two boxers exploded and attacked each other relentlessly.

If Nikhat's massive right hand forced the ref to give Tam an eight count, Tam's jab forced the ref to do the same to the Indian.

“For me, it is the first major tournament of this kind after the Commonwealth Games which is not a major tournament.

"But with countries from all over the world competing here and having back-to-back games, I was a bit slow in some games. I will learn from these experiences and try to be strong,” said Nikhat, who has already qualified for the Asian Games.

On Saturday, Nitu Ghanghas (48 kg) and Saweety Boora (81 kg) were crowned world champions in their respective weight categories. Hosts India are on course to back up their best ever gold medal winning performance with Olympic champion Lovlina Borgohain set to take on the ring later today.

India has won four gold medals in the 2006 edition on home soil, which is the country's best with eight medals, including one silver. PTI APA APA PDS PDS