MC Mary Kom scales the summit, becomes No.1 in latest AIBA Boxing rankings

MC Mary Kom's unprecedented sixth world title triumph has propelled her to the number one position in the International Boxing Association's (AIBA) latest world rankings. Mary Kom became the most successful boxer in world championships' history when she claimed the 48kg category top honours. In the updated rankings put out by AIBA, Mary Kom is placed top of the charts in the weight division with 1700 points. The 36-year-old will have to jump to 51kg in pursuit of her 2020 Olympic dream as 48kg is not yet included in the Games roster.

Mary Kom had defeated Ukraine's Hanna Okhota 5-0 to clinch the Women's World Boxing Championship to make her the most successful athlete in women's boxing in history. The 35-year-old boxer had secured the gold medal the last time it was held in New Delhi in 2006 and she shattered history to become the all-time leading gold medal winner in the World Boxing Championship. With this win, Mary Kom became the only female boxer in history to win six gold medals in the World Boxing Championship. When one looks at both men and women's boxing, Mary Kom has drawn level with Cuban boxer Felix Savon.

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The mother-of-three enjoyed a stellar 2018, picking up gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and a tournament in Poland. She also clinched silver at the prestigious Strandja Memorial in Bulgaria. Among other Indians, Pinki Jangra is placed eighth in the 51kg category list. Asian silver-medallist Manisha Maun holds the same position in the 54kg category.   

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Former world silver-medalist Sonia Lather was placed at the second spot in the 57kg division despite enduring a disappointing 2018, during which she finished medal-less at the Asian Games.  World bronze-medallist Simranjit Kaur (64kg), who was crowned the national champion a few days back, took the fourth position in her weight category. Following her was former world champion L Sarita Devi at the 16th spot.

India Open gold-medallist and world bronze-winner Lovlina Borgohain took the fifth position in the 69kg category. The men's rankings have not been updated as yet.

Speaking exclusively to News Nation in November before the start of the World Championship, Mary Kom said, “The journey, at the very beginning, was very different. About five-six years ago, we were suffering in different ways in terms of facilities, travelling-wise and problems related to infrastructure. Today, all the needs are taken care off immediately. No need to worry about support and facilities now. The younger generation is far better off than us as they have little worries,” Mary Kom said.