India’s two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen made a commanding return to the international stage, defeating Jennifer Lozano of the United States 5-0 in the opening round of the women’s 51kg category at the World Boxing Championships 2025 on Saturday.
The 29-year-old, competing in her first international event of the year, showed no signs of rust as she dominated from the opening bell, securing a unanimous decision victory.
It was a tougher outing for India’s other boxers in action. Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain suffered a 0-5 loss to Busra Isildar of Turkey in the women’s 75kg division, while Hitesh Gulia put up a spirited fight but fell 1-4 against Robert Bos of the Netherlands in the men’s 70kg category.
India has sent a 20-member squad to the inaugural World Championships, organized by the newly formed World Boxing governing body. The team opened its campaign strongly on Friday, with World Boxing Cup Astana gold medalist Jaismine Lamboria defeating Daria-Olha Hutarina of Ukraine 5-0 in the women’s 57kg bout, while Narender Berwal earned a 4-1 win over Martin McDonagh of Ireland in the men’s 90+kg division.
Later on Saturday, Sachin (men’s 60kg) will face Jacob Cassar of Australia, and Sanju (women’s 60kg) will meet Aneta Rygielska of Poland as India continues its campaign in Liverpool.
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