India’s boxing icon MC Mary Kom bowed out of Tokyo 2020 after a loss in the women’s 51kg round of 16 match ending the 38-year-old Indian legend’s career at the Olympics.
Mary Kom lost by split decision against her Colombian opponent but the six-time world champion was stunned with the final result as 2 judges ruled the bout in favour of Ingrit while two went with the Indian boxing legend.
In fact, it was Ingrit's first win in 3 attempts against the Indian boxer.
Mary Kom in fact, even raised her arm up just before the announcement of the winner was made in the ring before realising that Ingrit was declared the winner.
Having a 2-0 head-to-head record against the Colombian, Mary went into the fight with some psychological advantage. But Ingrit was well-prepared for the challenge as she landed some clean combination of punches.
Mary tried to return the favour from a distance but could not connect too many of her blows to lose the opening round 4-1.
The Indian tried to catch up with her rival and gave her all in the second round. Mary’s right-left combination looked more effective in the midst of fast exchange of punches and she took the round 3-2.
However, Ingrit connected enough to win the vote from three judges and knock Mary Kom out of Tokyo 2020.
The Colombian raised Mary Kom’s hand after the decision; showing respect to the legendary Indian boxer; who was appearing at her final Olympic Games.
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Tokyo 2021 was Mary Kom's farewell Olympics. She had confirmed before the start of the Games that it would be difficult for her to continue until the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. However, the 38-year-old boxer has not officially announced her retirement as of yet.