Nishant Dev beats Ecuador’s Jose Rodriguez Tenorio to move to Paris 2024 Olympics quarter-finals

Indian boxer Nishant Dev defeated Jose Rodriguez Tenorio of Ecuador by split decision (3:2) in the Round of 16 clash of the men’s 71 kg event at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Thursday. The only male Indian boxer remaining in the tournament after the early exit of Amit Panghal, he started the bout with an air of confidence about him.

World Championships bronze medalist Nishant Dev showed quick feet to move away from the punches of his much more aggressive opponent and finished the bout by winning all three rounds.

With this victory, Nishant will progress through to the quarter-finals of the 71 kg event, where he will face Mexico’s Marco Verde.

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Nishant Dev wins all three rounds against energetic Ecuadorian Jose Rodriguez Tenerio

23-year-old Nishant Dev, who fights with a southpaw stance, had to do well to push back Rodriguez Tenorio, who was aggressive in his approach from the get-go.

The 27-year-old Ecuadorian fighter swung some heavy punches but failed to make contact with most of them. Rodriguez Tenorio also tended to lead in while attacking, which Nishant took advantage of with some accurate scoring punches. The Indian pugilist was in control of the proceedings and comfortably won the first round with a scoreline of 4:1.

The second round was more of the same for Nishant, with Rodriguez Tenorio leading with some wild but inaccurate punches. Dev had little trouble blocking most of his opponent’s punches and landed a series of body punches on Rodriguez Tenorio. Despite a spirited performance from the Ecuadorian fighter, the judges voted in favor of Dev, who won the round 3:2.

The final round was marginally better for Rodriguez Tenorio as he managed to break Nishant’s guard and catch him with a few right hooks. However, Nishant, who was visibly tired after parrying his opponent's shots all day, was much more accurate on the attack and won the bout by a split decision 3:2.

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