City
Epaper

IBL: Panthers beat Rhinos, to face Giants in final

By IANS | Updated: December 20, 2019 22:25 IST

Punjab Panthers stormed into the final of the Big Bout Indian Boxing League (IBL) with an overwhelming 5-2 victory over a weakened NE Rhinos at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium Complex here on Friday.

Open in App

They won four bouts in a row to dismiss the 2-1 advantage that the Rhinos got through Meenakshi and Francisco Veron after Sonia Lather drew first blood for Panthers.

Southpaw Naveen Kumar used his extra height, reach and body weight to haul Panthers back on track by securing a unanimous verdict against Ergashev Timur from Uzbekistan.

Abdulmalik Khalakov showed quick glovework in the 57kg clash with Mohammed Etash Khan and P.L. Prasad did likewise against Laldin Mawia in the 52kg battle both were repeat winners over their respective rivals to ensure that Panthers book the berth in the final against Gujarat Giants.

With personal pride to play for after the outcome of the match was known, the seasoned Manoj Kumar took time to warm up against the bustle of Muhammad Rahil in the 69kg bout. He conceded the first round to the lad from Akola but attacked consistently thereafter to secure a unanimous win.

Earlier, Panthers' Sonia Lather raised her game after trailing Pwilao Basumatary in the first round to win the women's 60kg bout.

Meenakshi then restored parity for Rhinos as she beat Darshana Doot in the women's 51kg bout. Argentina's Francisco Veron then put Rhinos ahead with a win against debutant Mohit Khatana in the 75kg bout.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: PanthersMeenakshiSonia LatherFrancisco VeronAkola
Open in App

Related Stories

MaharashtraMaharashtra: Father-Son Duo Swept Away as Heavy Rains Flood Akola District

MaharashtraMNS Workers Vandalise Tondgaon Toll Plaza in Washim Over Unfinished Road, Viral Video Sparks Outrage

MaharashtraAkola Horror: Man Allegedly Strangles 9-Year-Old Step-Son To Death, Disposes Body in Forest; Arrested

MaharashtraAkola: Four Cops Injured As Escort Vehicle Flips After Tyre Burst on Akola-Murtizapur Highway

MaharashtraNanded Tragedy: Three Women Drown in Godavari River While Washing Clothes

Other Sports Realted Stories

Other SportsMan Utd announce completion of 50 million Pound regeneration project of Carrington Training Complex

Other SportsAshwin likely to enter IPL mini-auction after parting ways with Chennai Super Kings

Other SportsGolf: Akshay Bhatia fires career-best 62 to lead St. Jude Championship

Other SportsKerala, Bengal crowned champions of 51st Junior Waterpolo Championship 2025

Other SportsTop jockey Suraj Narredu to captain Team Asia in Shergar Cup 2025