World Boxing Championships: Amit Panghal boxes his way to AIBA final & history

Asian Games gold medallist Amit Panghal (52kg) made it to the history books by becoming the first Indian male boxer to reach the final of AIBA Men's World Championships in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on Friday.

Panghal registered a close 3-2 win over Kazakhstan's Saken Bibossinov in the semis which also ensured him at least a silver medal.

The Indian boxer will meet Uzbekistan's reigning Olympic gold medallist Shakhobidin Zoirov in the final on Saturday.

In previous instances, four Indian pugilists – Vijender Singh, Vikas Krishan, Shiva Thapa and Gaurav Bidhuri – had won medals in the world championship, though none of them could secure a medal better than a bronze.

"My bout was really good. I think I had to put in more efforts than I expected. I want to thank all the Indians and fellow boxers for supporting me. It is a huge achievement for Indian boxing and I will do my level best to win gold for my country," said Panghal.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Manish Kaushik's (63kg) brilliant run at his first World Championships came to an end at the hands of reigning world champion and top seed Andy Cruz Gomes of Cuba. The Indian lost 0-5.