The Women’s World Championships semifinal winners here on Thursday, Nikhat Zareen (50 kg) and Nitu Ghanghas (48 kg), both proceeded to the final. The bronze medalist from the Rio Olympics, Ingrit Valencia of Colombia, was outpunched by Nikhat 5-0, while Nitu edged out Alua Balkibekova of Kazakhstan 5-2.
The current champion Nikhat defeated Valencia with her speed and tactical prowess so she could keep defending her crown. The first round of the quarterfinal rematch between Nitu and Balkibekova from the previous year was full of gunfire. The Kazakh, though, was more dominant and won rounds 2-3.
Nitu launched an aggressive second round, landing hooks and jabs. Both fighters used body punches and clinches, with Nitu coming out on top. Nitu defeated Balkibekova in the dramatic last three minutes to force a review of the fight.
