Whole Country Is Supporting Me, Why Wouldn't I Win: Mary Kom, After Entering Semis At Boxing Worlds

Boxing great MC Mary Kom acknowledged the support she got from fellow Indians after assuring herself of a record eighth medal at IABA World Women's Boxing Championships at Ulan-Ude, Russia on Thursday. The six-time champion from India defeated Colombia's Valencia Victoria in their quarterfinal bout to secure her maiden world medal in the 51kg category, in which she won an Olympic medal back in 2012. (More Sports News)

The 36-year-old, who has become the most successful women boxer in the marquee event, said her job is only half done. But she is confident of going all the way, just like in the previous edition in Delhi. In the semifinals on Saturday, Mary Kom would be up against European Championship and European Games gold-medallist Busenaz Cakiroglu of Turkey who has been seeded second in the draw.

"It was easy," the 36-year-old told PTI when asked about her quarterfinal contest before getting down to dissecting her performance.

"Compared to the pre-quarters, this one was easy. I figured her (Victoria) out quite early in the bout. She was just trying to create an impression by attacking more but I knew I would get my chances," she said.

"The girl I fought in pre-quarters (Thailand's Jutamas Jitpong), she was tough, very strong. It was tiring to get past her," she added.

"I have never fought her but then I fought my past two rivals also for the first time here. It doesn't bother me. But as I always say, I will try my best, but the results is not in my hands," she said referring to her pre-tournament assertion that she would only focus on performance, not the result.

The Manipuri, in terms of number of medals won, has become numero uno across both the men's and women's world championships. Cuban icon Felix Savon is the most successful in the men's event with seven medals -- six gold and a silver.

"I know a lot is expected of me, I would give my all, the job is only half done. I hope to get a gold," she added.

Entering into this edition, Mary Kom had six gold and a silver in her kitty.

"It is difficult to say (what the result would be in the semifinals) but I think I have the capability to go the full distance and win a gold. Let's see," she said.

"The whole country is supporting me like always, I think that should also work for me. Why wouldn't I win with that huge support?" she added. 

(With PTI inputs)