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Lovlina Borgohain, India's boxing sensation, is brimming with confidence as she sets her sights on a second Olympic medal at the upcoming Paris Games. Having endured a challenging period following her bronze medal triumph in Tokyo, Borgohain has found renewed success in the 75kg weight class, which aligns better with her natural body weight.Since transitioning to the higher weight category, Borgohain has claimed gold at the 2022 Asian Championship and the 2023 World Championships, along with a silver medal at the Asian Games. This remarkable run has instilled in her a belief that she can replicate her Olympic success in Paris."My performance has been good after changing the weight," Borgohain said. "Winning the World Championship in the Olympic category was huge. I had to control weight before, but now I am set in this weight."The 75kg category has been an Olympic fixture since 2012, and Borgohain acknowledges the formidable competition she will face. However, she remains undeterred, citing her comfort in the weight class and her improved strength and conditioning."75kg is challenging, but I fit well in this category," she said. "I feel stronger and I am able to train better."Borgohain's agility and speed are key strengths, and she has made tactical adjustments to her game plan. "I have changed my technique a bit," she revealed. "Earlier I had a more defensive game, but now I go ahead and attack."As the pressure mounts ahead of the Games, Borgohain finds solace in meditation and prayer. "I always try to be calm even when I am at ringside," she said. "I meditate, do breathing exercises, and I pray. That makes me feel strong."Borgohain's determination and unwavering belief in her abilities make her a formidable contender for an Olympic medal in Paris. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with hard work, resilience, and a positive mindset, anything is possible.

Cuban boxing coach Blas Iglesias Fernandez, a veteran of three decades in Indian boxing, has expressed his support for the Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) decision to revert to trials for boxer selection. Fernandez, who has witnessed the highs and lows of Indian boxing, believes that trials are a fairer and more transparent method.Fernandez, who has been appointed as the high-performance coach for the National Boxing Academy (NBA) in Rohtak, criticized the previous evaluation-based selection system implemented by former High Performance Director Bernard Dunne. He argued that the evaluation method was "needless" and did not provide a complete picture of a boxer's abilities."We must return to the system of trials, it was more fair and transparent and left no scope for ambiguity," Fernandez said. "Given a chance, I would like to propose some changes to the selection criteria. We need to ditch the system of evaluation as it doesn't present a complete picture."Fernandez, the only foreigner to receive the Dronacharya Award for coaching excellence, expressed surprise that Dunne was given a free hand to implement his selection policy. He believes that Dunne's changes were not in the best interests of Indian boxing."He took over the reins when India was among the top 15-20 nations in men's boxing. He came in and went about changing everything, which is not the way to go. I am surprised he was allowed to do this. The policy of no selection trials looks good on paper but practically it means nothing. The No.3 boxer can become No.1 in this process," Fernandez said.Fernandez is now focused on preparing a plan for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He believes that widening the core group by adding more youth boxers is crucial for creating a strong supply line."That's how you create a supply line," he reasoned. "As of now, the senior camp has three boxers per weight class and Fernandez wants to double that. I have started the phase of talent identification for 2028. We need more age-group events and more youth boxers in NBA. Ideally, we need 4-6 boxers in each weight category."Fernandez backed former world No.1 Amit Panghal to win a medal in Paris if he qualifies. "I think Amit and Nishant Dev have the best chance to qualify. Amit is a medal contender since he is very sharp at reading opponents. He is mature and has a good all-round game. Amit and (woman’s world champion) Nikhat Zareen are what I call universal boxers. If they are in form, they can come back with a medal from Paris."

Amit Panghal, a renowned Indian boxer, has been reinstated into the national team for the upcoming Paris Olympics qualifier in Bangkok, scheduled from May 25th. This decision comes after India's disappointing performance at the previous qualifier in Italy, where the men's team failed to secure any Olympic quota spots.In a bid to improve their chances, several changes have been made to the squad. Panghal, a Tokyo Olympian and gold medalist at the Strandja Memorial tournament in February, has replaced Deepak Bhoria in the 51kg class. Bhoria, a world championship medalist, had two opportunities to seal an Olympic quota but failed to do so.Other notable changes include the exclusion of world championship medalist Mohd Hussamuddin in the 57kg category and seasoned boxer Shiva Thapa in the 63.5kg class. Sachin Siwach and young Abhinash Jamwal will take their places, respectively.Nishant Dev, who performed well in the previous qualifier, has retained his spot in the 71kg category. Sanjeet (92kg) and Narender Berwal (+92kg) have also been given another chance to secure Olympic berths.In the women's category, India has already secured four of the six Olympic quotas through their strong performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Ankushita Boro has replaced Jasmine Lamboria in the 60kg class, while two-time world junior medalist Arundhati Chaudhary will compete in the 66kg category.The Indian team will be hoping for a strong showing in Bangkok as they aim to secure the remaining Olympic quota spots. The selection process was conducted through an evaluation process by coaches in the national camp, following the resignation of India's high-performance coach Bernard Dunne.

Six-time world champion boxer M C Mary Kom has resigned as India's Chef-de-Mission for the upcoming Paris Olympics, citing personal reasons. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha announced Mary Kom's decision in a statement on Friday.In a letter to Usha, Mary Kom expressed her regret for stepping down from the prestigious role. "I consider it an honor to serve my country in every way possible, and I was mentally prepared for it. However, I regret that I will not be able to uphold the prestigious responsibility and would like to resign, owing to personal reasons," she wrote.Mary Kom, who is also a bronze medalist from the 2012 London Olympics, was appointed as Chef-de-Mission on March 21. She was tasked with overseeing the logistical arrangements for the Indian contingent at the Paris Games, scheduled for July 26-August 11.IOA President Usha expressed sadness over Mary Kom's decision but respected her privacy. "We are sad that Olympic medal-winning boxer and Chairperson of the IOA Athletes Commission Mary Kom has stepped down citing personal reasons. We respect her decision and her privacy," Usha said.Usha added that she had a conversation with Mary Kom after receiving her letter. "I completely understand her request and respect her decision. I have also conveyed to her that she will always have my own support and that of IOA. I also request everyone to respect the legendary boxer's privacy," she said.The IOA will now begin the process of finding a replacement for Mary Kom. Usha said she would make an announcement about the new Chef-de-Mission soon.Mary Kom's resignation comes as a setback for the Indian contingent preparing for the Paris Olympics. However, the IOA is confident that it will find a suitable replacement who can lead the team to success.

Former Indian boxing legend Venkatesan Devarajan, who holds the distinction of being the first Indian boxer to secure a World Cup medal on foreign soil, has expressed his keen interest in assuming the coaching reins of the Indian boxing team. This development comes in the wake of the team's High Performance Director, Bernard Dunne, tendering his resignation following the team's dismal performance at the recent Olympic qualifiers in Italy.India's boxers failed to secure a single quota for the Paris Olympics at the world qualifiers, leaving only four Indian women boxers who have earned their spots through the Asian Games. With just two months remaining before the final Olympic qualifiers in Thailand on May 23, Indian boxing finds itself in a precarious position.While Dunne's resignation has been accepted, foreign coach Dmitry Dmitruk, who was brought in by Dunne, is also expected to be relieved of his duties. With four months to go until the Paris Olympics, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is likely to turn to Indian coaches to guide the team through these turbulent waters. A BFI executive committee meeting has been scheduled for Friday to deliberate on this matter."I am eager to impart my knowledge and experience to the team. If the BFI grants me the opportunity, I would be honored to assist the team. I intend to engage in discussions with the BFI," stated Devarajan, who clinched a bronze medal at the 1994 World Cup in Thailand. Devarajan represented India at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics (bantamweight) and served on the BFI's selection panel for an extended period."Boxing is not merely a physical endeavor; at the elite level, it also becomes a mental game. Strategy, meticulous planning, and mental fortitude are paramount in boxing. When competing at the Olympic level, boxers must maintain emotional composure within the ring," emphasized Devarajan, an Arjuna Awardee who coached the World Boxing Series team Mumbai Fighters, which featured several international boxers.During his prime, Chennai-based Devarajan garnered two medals at the prestigious Cuba International Boxing Meet, Kings Cup, and President's Cup. He holds the distinction of defeating Mongolian professional boxer Lakva Sim, a world champion in two weight classes, on three separate occasions."I have had the privilege of training with the world-renowned Cuban team in Bangalore in 1991 and subsequently traveled to Cuba for further training. I possess the experience of competing at the highest level and preparing boxers for elite competitions. I am well-versed in the strengths and weaknesses of our boxers. In recent years, our boxers have adopted a uniform style against all opponents. We must employ diverse strategies and techniques based on the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents," asserted Devarajan, who believes that selection trials are crucial for assessing form and fitness.

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: A Battle of GenerationsBoxing enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating the epic clash between YouTube sensation Jake Paul and legendary heavyweight champion Mike Tyson on July 29 in Texas. The highly publicized bout, streamed exclusively on Netflix, marks Tyson's return to the ring since his exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020.In a surprising twist, Jake's brother Logan Paul revealed that he was initially offered the fight against Tyson but declined. Speaking on his podcast, Logan stated that the financial incentive was substantial but not as lucrative as the deal offered to Jake. He also expressed his belief that he could defeat Tyson due to his age and perceived decline.Jake Paul dismissed his brother's claims, questioning his motives for making such a statement. He emphasized that his company, Most Valuable Promotions, secured the deal with Tyson, and he was unaware of any offer made to Logan.The bout's status remains uncertain, as it has not been confirmed whether it will be a professional fight or an exhibition match. Tyson's age and the need for approval from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will determine the specifics.Jake Paul, a YouTube influencer turned professional boxer, has amassed a 10-1 record with six knockouts. His only defeat came against Tommy Fury, the half-brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.Mike Tyson, the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987-90, retired in 2005 with a remarkable record of 50 wins, 40 by knockout. His return to the ring has sparked both excitement and skepticism among boxing fans.The Paul vs. Tyson bout promises to be a captivating spectacle, pitting a young, ambitious challenger against a seasoned legend. The outcome remains uncertain, but the anticipation and drama surrounding the event are sure to make it an unforgettable night in boxing history.

Mohammed Hussamuddin, India's World Championships bronze medalist, made a disappointing return to competitive boxing after an injury lay-off, losing 0-4 to Ireland's Jude Gallagher in the men's 57kg clash at the 1st World Olympic Boxing Qualifier in Busto Arsizio, Italy.Hussamuddin, who had earlier received a first-round bye, was competing for the first time since the 2023 World Championships quarterfinals when he injured his left knee. He took some time to settle in, allowing his opponent, Birmingham CWG champion Gallagher, to take a lead with his technical prowess.The youngster used speed and agility to his advantage, pocketing the first round 5-0. Hussamuddin tried to cover lost ground in round two, but his comeback became even more difficult after he was handed a one-point deduction for dropping his head.The 22-year-old Gallagher maintained his composure in the third round, preventing Hussamuddin from attacking and eventually winning the bout.India fielded nine boxers in the competition, but only Nishant Dev (71kg) remains in the fray to seal a quota. He will be in action in the pre-quarterfinals on Sunday.India has already secured four quotas for Paris 2024 with Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti (54kg), Parveen Hooda (57kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) confirming their berths with impressive performances at the Asian Games.

Social media sensation Jake Paul and boxing legend Mike Tyson are set to clash in a highly anticipated bout on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The event, which will be streamed live on Netflix, marks a significant milestone in the streaming platform's foray into live sports production.Paul, 27, has rapidly ascended the boxing ranks since his professional debut four years ago. With nine wins and six knockouts to his credit, he has established himself as a formidable force in the sport. His only setback came against Tommy Fury, the half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.Tyson, 57, is a boxing icon who reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. Known for his devastating power and intimidating presence, "Iron Mike" retired in 2005 with a record of 50 wins, 44 by knockout. His exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020 ended in an unofficial draw.The Paul-Tyson matchup has sparked both excitement and skepticism. While some question the legitimacy of a fight between a young, up-and-coming boxer and a retired legend, others believe it will be an entertaining spectacle. The specifics of the bout, including whether it will be an actual pro fight or an exhibition, are still being finalized and must be approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.Paul has expressed his ambition to become a world champion and sees this fight as an opportunity to prove himself against the greatest heavyweight of all time. Tyson, for his part, is eager to test his skills against a younger opponent and believes it will be a "full circle moment" since he helped launch Paul's boxing career.The fight card at AT&T Stadium will be the third live sporting event for Netflix, following a golf/auto racing crossover event and an exhibition tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. Paul's company, Most Valuable Promotions, is partnering with Netflix to stage the show.

Nishant Dev Advances in World Olympic Boxing Qualifiers, Ankushita Boro and Sanjeet Suffer DefeatsIndian boxer Nishant Dev has secured a spot in the pre-quarterfinals of the men's 71kg category at the first World Olympic Boxing Qualifiers. The World Championships bronze medalist outclassed Georgia's Madiev Eskerkhan with a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision on Thursday night.Dev's victory was a testament to his aggressive and calculated approach. Tokyo Olympics quarterfinalist Eskerkhan struggled to keep up with Dev's relentless attacks. Despite Eskerkhan's attempts to regain momentum in the second round, Dev remained unyielding, denying him any opportunity for a comeback.Meanwhile, India's youth world champion Ankushita Boro (66kg) and national champion Sanjeet (92kg) faced contrasting fortunes in their opening round matches. Boro fought valiantly but ultimately fell short 2-3 against Sonvico Emilie of France. Sanjeet, on the other hand, suffered a disappointing 0-5 defeat to Aibek Oralbay of Kazakhstan.These results continue a challenging campaign for India's boxers at the tournament. Despite the presence of over 590 boxers, India has yet to secure any additional quotas for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The tournament offers a total of 49 quotas, including 28 for men and 21 for women.India had previously secured four quotas through Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti (54kg), Parveen Hooda (57kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) at the Asian Games. The second World Qualification Tournament will be held in Bangkok from May 23 to June 3, providing another opportunity for Indian boxers to qualify for the Paris Olympics.