Beijing Olympics 2008

Akhil is India’s best boxer: Cuban coach

Cuban boxing coach B.I Fernandez feels that Indian boxing has come of age with the mushrooming talent that was on display at Beijing Olympics 2008.

He rates Akhil Kumar as the best boxer in India today, ahead of bronze medalist Vijender Kumar.

“Akhil is undoubtedly the best boxer at this point of time. He has defeated some of the best boxers, including the World Champion and World No. 3 at the Olympics. It is highly creditable and no wonder all boxers look up to Akhil for inspiration,” said Fernandez.

“We have done extremely well at the Olympics. Our boxers’ performance was highly commendable as competition is getting tougher and tougher. Imagine, a powerhouse like Uzbekistan failed to win any medal and top contenders Cuba has no gold medal,” he said.

Akhil boxes with his guard down and that is something which I won’t advise any youngster to follow. But I don’t want to change Akhil’s style because I don’t want to fiddle with his natural approach to boxing. He has good reflexes and that helps him to relax and box freely with his guard down.”

Akhil is seen as a role model by both Vijender and Jitender Kumar, was India’s best bet at Beijing but the 26-year-old missed out on a medal as he lost his quarterfinal bout.

Tags: Akhil Kumar, B.I Fernandez, beijing olympics 2008, Cuban boxing coach