Akhil out for six weeks with wrist injury

The wrist injury that led to his early exit from the World Championships in Italy is likely to keep Olympian boxer Akhil Kumar out of action for at least six to eight weeks.

The Beijing Olympics quarterfinalist hurt his problematic wrist again while attempting a hook during his first-round bout at the world championships in Milan on Thursday.

The wrist injury had earlier prevented Akhil from competing in the Asian Championships in June.

"He has sprained his joint bone and a few ligaments have also been damaged. It's not very serious and he will be fit to fight but it will take at least six weeks for the damage to heal," said Akhil's physio Heath Matthews.

"His hand needs rest for a while. After the injury is healed, I will work towards strengthening his wrist in a rehabilitation programme," Matthews said.

Akhil, who jumped a division to feather weight (57 kgs) this year is shattered after the latest setback, but is confident of making a strong comeback.

"It's a disappointment but I can cope with it. The rehabilitation will take six to eight weeks but I am sure I will come back stronger," the 27 year-old said.

"It pains me but I can handle it because I have been through such breakdowns before," added the Arjuna awardee.

Matthews said with nothing major coming up in the international calendar, it would be in Akhil's interest to take a break and allow the injury to heal completely.

"He would be fine and wouldn't have to make any adjustments but he has to rest now because next year is very crucial. The Commonwealth Games are coming up, followed by the Asian Games and to ensure that he is 100 per cent fit for them, he has to give himself a break right now," Matthews said.