Akash Tuqir off the mark at youth worlds
Hadley's Akash Tuqir has cleared the first hurdle at the AIBA World Youth Championships in Russia with a hard-fought points win today.
Tuqir defeated India's Anwar Khyali on a split decision in St Petersburg this afternoon to progress to Monday's last preliminary tie at 52kg,
The 18-year-old flyweight will next take on Mauritius' Adnane Fadili at a weight where there were 38 entrants, having got off the mark at the Sibur Arena.
Southpaw Tuqir took a while to settle in the first of the three rounds against Khayli, who was dangerous with the right hand.
He clobbered Tuqir with flush straight rights twice in the first, as the Englishman tried to tee off his own shots on the back-foot.
Tuqir got his jab working in the second and start to take command of the centre of the ring, throwing southpaw hooks to the body.
This time, it was Khayli who was frustrated as he tried to load up, ploughing forward with his guard high. He only got through cleanly once with the right hand during the second session.
The result hung in the balance through the third and last round, where Tuqir worked hard to keep his opponent quiet and maintained his hand movement.
The Shropshire fighter had his hand raised on a split, having held his arms high at the final bell in anticipation of the win. He celebrated by bowing for the crowd before leaving.
He represents the Len Woodhall Community Club at club level and has won England Youth and European Youth titles. This is his last competition before stepping up to the seniors.
