Four Indian boxers in second round

India got off to a dream start as all its four pugilists moved into the second round in various weight categories in the 13th Senior World Boxing Championships in Mianyang City, China.

Som Bahadur Pun, who was adjudged the most courageous boxer in the Commonwealth Championships in August, overcame the challenge of Kevin Bizier of Canada to win 26-24 in the opening round bout of light-welter division on Monday.

Commonwealth champion Akhil Kumar and silver medallist Vijender Kumar also registered convincing wins in their respective weight categories on the opening day to move into the second round.

Akhil won in the bantamweight category after out-punching Serdar Avei of Turkey 28-15 while Vijender defeated Lithuania's Darius Jasevicius 31-17 in the welterweight class on Sunday.

Akhil, who was forced to skip the Asian Championships in Scotland in August-September owing to a wrist injury, put up an impressive performance on his comeback in the first round at the world level where 407 pugilists from 76 countries are in action.

Suranjay Singh entered the second round untested as he got a bye in the opening round of the light-fly division.