Five-time World Champion Mary Kom gave India a perfect start by defeating Thailand's Indoor Asian Games gold medallist Laopeam Peamwilai on point 6:4 in 51 kgs category at the 6th Asian Women Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Although the Thai boxer was slightly taller of the two, it was mental domination by Mary that gave her a slender lead of 2:1 by the end of round 1.
In round 2, the lead was increased to 3:1 but in the next round, the Thai girl came back strongly to reduce the deficit.
Mary, however, still managed to keep a lead of 4:3.
Round 4 was a tactical win for Mary as she delivered two crisp blows towards the end to romp home the winner on 6:4.
Mary would next face Nandinsetseg Myagmardul of Mongolia in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
In the 57 kgs, Mandakini Chanu defeated Rahemi Sadaf of Afghanistan after referee stopped the contest in the fourth round as the Indian proved to be far superior to her opponent.
Mandakini will now take on Kil Ok Kim of Peoples Republic of Korea on Thursday.
ON Wednesday four Indian boxers will fight it out in the ring.
Pinki Jangra (48 kgs) will play against Dina Ilyubayeva of Kazakhstan, Sonia Lather (54 kgs) will take on Vidhushika Prabhadi Mohott (Sri Lanka), Sarita Devi (60 kgs) will have her bout against Gulzhaina Ubinayazova of Kazakhstan, and Meena Rani (64 kgs) will face Uyanga Erdenesoyal of Mongolia.
Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani / Rediff.com