Indian pugilist Jaismine Lamboria has made history, securing the coveted featherweight title at the World Boxing Championships in a stirring contest against Paris Olympics silver medallist Julia Szeremeta of Poland.

Capping off a stupendous campaign, Jaismine outclassed Szeremeta in the 57kg summit clash late on Saturday night, prevailing 4-1 on the judges’ scorecards (30-27, 29-28, 30-27, 28-29, 29-28). The victory etches Jaismine’s name into the annals of Indian boxing history as she becomes the ninth pugilist from the nation to be crowned world champion.

Jaismine joins an illustrious list of Indian boxing world champions, including six-time winner Mary Kom (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2018), two-time winner Nikhat Zareen (2022, 2023), Sarita Devi (2006), Jenny RL (2006), Lekha KC (2006), Nitu Ghanghas (2023), Lovlina Borgohain (2023), and Saweety Boora (2023).

The 24-year-old Indian, competing in her third World Championships, grew steadily into the bout. The much shorter Polish boxer, who had lost the Olympic final to gender-row boxer Lin Yu-ting, drew first blood, prodded into action by the referee. Szeremeta was fast and precise, using defensive manoeuvres to dart in and out, negotiating Jaismine’s long reach to edge the opening round 3-2.

However, the Indian pugilist came roaring back in the second round, adjusting her rhythm to control the distance. She evaded Szeremeta’s advances and unleashed crisp combinations that swayed all the judges in her favour. Jaismine employed the jab and defended stoutly. When the final verdict was announced, the usually serene Jaismine let out a brief yell, raising her hand before graciously embracing her crestfallen opponent. 

Also read: Three more women pugilists reach finals

In the second final of the night, Nupur Sheoran (80+kg) walked away with a silver medal after a narrow 2-3 defeat to Poland’s technically astute Agata Kaczmarska. Despite enjoying a substantial height advantage, Nupur could not impose herself on the contest. She started brightly with a flurry of punches, but Kaczmarska countered with relentless aggression, weaving through her reach and landing body blows that wore the Indian down. As the bout progressed, Nupur grew hesitant to throw punches, while the Pole dodged jabs with ease and responded with hooks. Kaczmarska even wrestled Nupur onto the canvas. The defining moment came in the final round when the Pole unleashed a stunning uppercut, enough to tip the verdict 3-2 in her favour and seal her maiden crown.

Earlier in the semi-finals, the seasoned Pooja Rani (80kg) signed off with a bronze medal after going down to local favourite Emily Asquith by a 1-4 split verdict. Pooja began on the front foot, leading after the first round with her measured combinations. But Asquith adapted swiftly, changing her game plan to negate the 34-year-old’s rhythm. The local star pressed forward with sharper counters and cleaner execution, reversing the tide of the contest.