The 71st edition of the Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament saw some boxers Advance to the Semi-finals last week [Thursday] as former world medalist Shiva Thapa who competed in the [63kg] and Sonia Lather [57kg] progressed to the Semi-finals in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Furthermore, joining them in the Semi-finals was Mohammed Hussamuddin, who is a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist competing in the [57kg] category. He knocked out Kurt Walker from Ireland 5-0 to advance to the medal rounds. Mohammed is a no-stranger to this tournament as he was previously won a silver in the 2017 edition of the event.

Sonia Lather, who is a former world silver winner, claimed a 3-2 win over her Irish opponents Michaela Walsh in a tight win contest to advance to the next stage.

Shiva Thapa, who is also a bronze winner in the 2015 edition of the world showpiece, overcame her Irish counterpart likewise as he defeats George Bates in the quarter-final clash. This has seen the four-time Asian medalist claim a Strandja medal for the first time in his three appearances at the curtain-raiser European event.

However, Nikhat Zareen, who is a defending Champion, crashed out of the tournament. Zareen, who is a former Junior world champion, was beaten by America’s Christina Cruz.  She [Zareen] had previously won a gold medal before this year 71st edition event which has seen competitors from over 30 countries

Written by: Olumide Akinnifesi