World boxing champ to join national event following dispute settlement

Nhi and another boxer, Sam Minh Phat, had been registered by Can Tho for the national championship 2021, to take place from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6 in the northern Bac Ninh Province. However, HCMC opposed the move.

Both boxers used to compete for HCMC before asking to leave in July. HCMC accepted their request, but asked the athletes to not compete for another team this year without HCMC approval. VBF had subsequently ordered Can Tho to withdraw their registration for the tournament.

But Nhi told VnExpress that after working things out, HCMC has withdrawn its complaint against Can Tho.

"Therefore, Vietnam Boxing Federation (VBF) has accepted my registration for the tournament."

"I'm in Bac Ninh now, well prepared and ready to give my best for Can Tho," she said.

Nhi is worried because her eye still hurts after the WBO belt fight with Japan boxer Etsuko Tada.

"After the national championship, I will prepare for SEA Games, Asian Games and defend my belt. These are my most important targets," she added.

Nhi, 25, made history last month when she defeated Tada to claim the WBO mini-flyweight belt in South Korea. She became the first Vietnamese boxer ever to win a major world title.