Taiwan's Boxing Queen Huang Hsiao-wen Edges Out Indian Opponent to Advance to Quarterfinals at WB Cup China

(Taipei, June 16, CNA by reporter Li Chien-chung) World No. 1 'Taiwan's boxing queen' Huang Hsiao-wen advanced to the quarterfinals today at the Women's 54kg Round of 16 of the Boxing WB Cup China, narrowly defeating her Indian opponent Poonam Poonam with a 3-2 victory despite relentless grappling throughout the match.

Currently ranked No. 1 in the World Boxing (WB) women's 54kg division, Huang received a first-round bye at this tournament and faced India's Poonam Poonam in her opening bout at the Round of 16.

Huang employed her usual strategy, using her height and reach advantage to keep distance and score points with jabs. However, from the first round, Poonam aggressively closed in, constantly grappling and clinging to Huang, resulting in a 1-1 draw after the first two rounds.

In the decisive third round, Huang shifted to an aggressive offensive, ultimately winning 29-28, 29-28, 28-29, 27-30, and 29-28 on the judges' scorecards for a 3-2 victory. Her next opponent in the quarterfinals will be 30-year-old French boxer Wassila Lkhadiri.

Coach Liu Tsung-tai told CNA that after not competing since the Asian Championships in April, this match was about regaining rhythm. 'The opponent's style was very sticky, and we were a bit unaccustomed at first, but thankfully we adjusted quickly.'

Meanwhile, Taiwanese men's boxer Peng Chia-feng, who has already secured qualification for the Asian Games, faced Meylis Shadurdyyev of Turkmenistan in the Men's 55kg Round of 32. Peng demonstrated strong intent and offensive techniques, landing multiple clean hits. In the third round, his opponent even dropped his hands in a taunting gesture and was penalized by the referee.

Peng advanced comfortably with a 5-0 unanimous decision. In the Round of 16, he will face American boxer Lorenzo Patricio, who won gold at the 2024 U19 World Championships. (Edited by Li Heng-shan) 1150616

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