Two-time Commonwealth bronze medallist Mohammad Hussamuddin and 2021 Asian Youth champion Bishwamitra Chongtham put up dazzling performances to secure their berths in the quarter-finals of the ongoing 74th Strandja Memorial International Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria on Thursday.

Hussamuddin faced Michele Baldassi of Italy in his round of 16 match of the 57kg category. Starting out on the front foot, the Italian displayed his attacking intent from the get-go and made the first round a closely contested affair.

However, the Telangana-born pugilist utilized his experience and technical ability to make a stellar comeback in the second round by landing a flurry of punches and defending his opponent’s jabs sternly.

Continuing that momentum, Hussamuddin took charge of the final round too, and secured a 4-1 victory. He will take on Bazeyan Artur of Armenia in the quarter-finals on Friday.

In the 51kg category, Bishwamitra squared off against Kenzhe Muratuly of Kazakhstan in what was a rematch of the 2021 Asian Youth championships quarter-finals where the Indian had defeated his opponent by a split decision.

The young pugilist produced a similar match-winning display against the Kazakh by dominating the bout with his quick movement and supreme attacking technique. He clinched a deserving 5-0 win by unanimous decision and will now face Roach…

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