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Nhi and Etsuko Tada gave spectators a great show throughout 10 rounds. Despite being way less experienced than Tada, Nhi lasted until the end and won.
The Vietnamese ace boxer entered the match with an experience of four professional fights. She won the WBO Asia-Pacific belt in February 2020, her fourth match. Tada, in turn, is the number one mini-flyweight boxer in the world and holds the WBO world championship. Before facing Nhi, the 40-year-old had 26 fights, won 20, drew three and lost three.
The two boxers started the match slow and carefully to get to know each other. In the third round, Nhi hit Tada with a hook that she countered with a straight punch. Although Nhi is shorter in height and arm span, she is skillful with her moves and powerful hooks.
Tada sped it up in the fifth round with rapid jabs, but Nhi also put up a great fight. In the ninth round, Tada made Nhi’s eye bleed after a hook. Using this advantage, Tada attacked continuously in the last round. However, Nhi remained on target despite limited vision.
Overall, the referees ruled Nhi the winner with a score of 96-94.
This is not only the first WBO World belt for Vietnamese boxing but also the first professional title for a boxer from Vietnam.
Nhi, 25, started practicing boxing when she was 13. In 2018, she began her professional career in the ring.
Nguyen Thi Thu Nhi beats Etsuko Tada to win Vietnam's first WBO world belt, South Korea, October 23, 2021.
