RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 12 - Shiva Thapa was under pressure before his first-round bout against Ramirez Robeisy in the Rio Olympics, his coach Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu said.
After Shiva�s 0-3 rout against the Cuban boxer, the Indian national team�s boxing coach Sandhu told media-persons that the draw was the cause of concern for Shiva and the whole Indian supporting staff, as Ramirez is the reigning Olympic champion. He has also titles like Pan American Games, Youth Olympic, Central American and Caribbean among other world�s coveted titles, under his belt.
�Undoubtedly, the 22-year Ramirez is a better boxer, as all the Cubans are. He has enormous power and skill. His legs are very strong and can expose any opponent�s defense early,� Sandhu said. He, however, praised Shiva and said that the Indian youngster tried his best to counter his fancied opponent by applying all his skills.
After the bout, which was the day�s third and overall 107th, Shiva met this correspondent. He said that his was a bad draw and went down to a better opponent. He added that with any other opponents in his weight category (56kg), he could have perhaps crossed the first hurdle, which would have given him lots of confidence.
Shiva started his bout cautiously, but the Cuban boxer put his legs firm in the ring and forced Shiva to fall back, leaving no space for going aggressive. Ramirez, who was supported by a vociferous crowd, won the first round convincingly. There was hardly anybody to shout for Shiva in the gallery.
In the second round, Shiva had a cut at the left side and had to be attended by the medical staff. Then onwards his confidence faded off.
The second round went in distinct favour of the Cuban, although Shiva tried his best.
The third round was also of no difference as Ramirez came down heavily on the Assamese boxer.
The World Championship bronze medallist had to face an eight-count standing in the third round after receiving a series of lethal jabs from Ramirez.
It was a similar Olympic heart break for Shiva as it was four years ago in London. He failed in the first round in both his two Olympics.
But the dream of the 22-year Assam boy will definitely continue in the days to come.
