Mary Kom Punches Her Way Into Semis, Assures Herself A Record-Extending 8th World Championship Medal
She has won the title 6 times.
MC Mary Kom surpassed herself as the most successful boxer in the history of the Women's World Championships, securing an unprecedented eighth medal by advancing to the flyweight (51kg) semifinals.
She beat Valencia Victoria, fetching a unanimous 5-0 verdict to make the last-four stage.
Awaiting her in the semifinals isBusenaz Cakiroglu, who is the reigning European Championships and European Games gold medallist.
In a tactful performance, Mary Kom waited for her chances and defended sharply to ensure that Victoria's plan to impress the judges by throwing in more punches didn't yield results.
The Indian's huge reservoir of experience came in handy as she swung her right arm masterfully to connect well-placed hooks. Her straight punches were as effective and regularly pierced through Victoria's reasonably strong defence.
With this, Mary Kom improved her own record as the most successful boxer in the history of the marquee tournament.
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Entering into this edition, she had six gold medals and a silver in her kitty but this is the first time the Manipuri has secured a world medal in the 51kg category. She had finished a quarterfinalist in this division in the past.
The latest achievement has only added to her ever-growing legend.
Besides six world titles, Mary Kom's incredible career is also studded with an Olympic bronze medal (2012), five Asian titles, gold medals at the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, besides numerous other international top finishes.
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This year alone, she won gold medals at the India Open in Guwahati and President's Cup in Indonesia.
She is also a sitting member of the Rajya Sabha.