Asian boxing: Awais, Zia lose pre-quarters bouts

Awais, who earlier registered an impressive win against Sri Lanka’s Ajith Nevil Gallage 3-0, failed to keep up his form in the 81kg event and lost to Korea’s Hyeongkyu Kim, according to Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) secretary Iqbal Hussain. Meanwhile, Gul Zaib lost to Kyrgyzstan’s Ermek Sakenov 3-0 in the 64kg event.

“We lost both bouts,” Hussain told The Express Tribune. “Our boxers did their best but we have tough competition at the Asian Championships.”

The only hope left for the country is the debutant Mehmoodul Hussan, who will compete in the quarter-final of the 91kg event on Tuesday against a Tajik boxer.

“Mehmood has a chance but central Asian boxers aren’t easy to beat,” said Hussain. “We are hoping he wins. He can qualify for the World Championship if he does.”