Foz do Iguacu (Brazil), Apr 4 (UNI) Indian boxer Hitesh produced a clinical performance to outclass Paris 2024 Olympian Makan Traore of France 5-0 and entered the final of the men’s 70kg category at the World Boxing Cup Brazil 2025 here on Thursday.

Displaying sound tactical discipline, the reigning national champion became the first Indian pugilist to reach the final in the inaugural edition of this year’s World Boxing Cup series. Hitesh will now face England’s Odel Kamara in the gold medal bout.

The Indian boxer began cautiously, employing a counter-attacking strategy that helped him dictate the pace of the semi-final bout. Despite a penalty in the final round, the judges unanimously awarded Hitesh a 5-0 victory.

Among other Indian boxers, Jadumani Singh Mandengbam fought valiantly but lost 2-3 in a split decision to former Asian U-22 champion Asilbek Jalilov of Uzbekistan in the 50kg semi-final. In the 90kg and 60kg categories, Vishal and Sachin went down to Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev and Poland’s Pawel Brach respectively.

More than 130 boxers from 19 countries, including several Olympians, are taking part in the World Boxing Cup Brazil 2025 — the first of three international events scheduled for the year. While competitions are being held in both men's and women's categories, India is fielding a squad only in the 10 men’s weight divisions.

The next two legs of the World Boxing Cup will be held in Kazakhstan (June-July) and India (November). Ranking points earned in each event will determine qualification for the season-ending World Boxing Cup Finals.

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