Olympic Boxing: Mary Kom creates history, guarantees 4th medal for India

‘Magnificent Mary’ continued her magnificent run at the 2012 London Olympics assuring herself of at least a bronze medal finish, after registering a resounding victory in the round of eight of the fly weight category, at the Excel Arena in on Monday (6 Aug 2012). MC Mary Kom (51kg), a true legend in the sport added another glorious chapter to her achievements as she beat Maroua Rahali of Tunisia to advance to the semi-final stage of the tournament. The reigning Asian Champion displayed great skill and strategy to overpower the Tunisia national champion.

Maroua Rahali started the first round very aggressively. Mary Kom however, looked much assured at the ring as she went for the wait and watch strategy. The five time world champion started slow, deciding to measure her opponent first. She displayed her vast experience and took control of the match. With extremely swift hands and fleet footwork , she evaded the punches from Rahali. The Tunisian threw a series of punches at Mary but could land one while Mary landed two on her opponent. The two fighters did not engage much in the opening round, but the Indian was able to squeeze in a crucial one point lead The round was awarded to Mary by 2-1 points.

Mary stuck to her strategy of counter attack, in the next round too, letting Rahali doing all the work. Mary stood her ground in the middle of the ring while Rahali kept moving all over. Rahali again missed out on the punches as Mary evaded most of them. Mary went in for the counter and landed enough to take the round by 3-2 points.

The round three however, changed the complexion of the bout. Mary flipped her strategy and went into attacking mode. She unleashed herself on Rahali and her right hand took the steam out of the Tunisia. In spite of the Tunisian boxer’s long reach Mary set the pace of the bout with some brilliant combinations and started to take the game away from Maroua. Mary pushed her to the ropes and delivered consecutive 5 straight punches to her face to take the round by a landslide 6-1 points. This round sealed the game for the Indian as the Tunisian was taken aback by the sudden change of approach from Mary.

The fourth round was a mere formality as Mary went back to her previous strategy, leaving Rahali with no option but to attack from the first second. Rahali kept coming at the Manipuri boxer but she kept up her tight guard and took the sting out of her opponent. As Rahali started to tire, Mary Kom took the opportunity to extend her lead by landing two superb left hand jabs. Mary took the round 4-2 and the match by 15-6 points.

Mary Kom made her Olympic debut by dominating the bout against Karolina Michalczuk of Poland, winning the game by 19-14 points. The win here guarantees Mary Kom a place in the semis and at least a bronze medal for India. Kom will have an uphill task in the round of four as she squares off against English boxer Nicola Adams. Adams, a three time World Championship silver medallist, got the better of Mary at the 2012 AIBA World Championship and will be looking to replicate her success against the four times Asian Champion. Mary on the hand will be keen to avenge her WC quarter final loss and secure a place in the championship round.