All-win opening day for India at World Boxing Championships

Amit Phangal (49kg) and Gaurav Bidhuri (56kg), both making their debut at the mega-event, were the only Indians in action in the late evening session and they had the contingent ecstatic by moving into the second round here on Friday.

Asian bronze-medallist Amit was the first to take the ring and shrugged off a slow start to edge past Italian Federico Serra in a split verdict.

The 21-year-old from Haryana, competing in the biggest tournament of his career, was rather sluggish in the opening round, allowing his rival easy shots.

However, he shook off the slumber in the second and third round with some well-placed hooks and straights.

In fact, Amit managed to out-pace his rival quite well in the closing three minutes, which perhaps tilted the scales in his favour.

"This is my first year in the senior circuit and so far it has turned out to be quite well. I am happy with the results I am getting," Amit, whose biggest achievement so far has been the Asian bronze medal he won earlier this year, said after his bout.

His ascent to the senior level has been rather meteoric, considering that he never figured prominently in Indian boxing's youth circuit. "Yes, I have never been among the most talked about in the youth circuit, didn't get too many opportunities either but at the senior level, I am trying to make a mark. I spent an entire year trying to figure out my weaknesses and that is what is getting me results now," he added.