JEJU, June 15: Pakistan's hopes for a single medal in 13th World Boxing Championship died with the loss of Qarar Hussain in the featherweight category against Mendoz Zapiati of the Dominican Republic in the pre-quarter finals on Tuesday.

Earlier, all the other four boxers bowed out of the championship in the opening rounds. The best boxer from Pakistan in the 51kg category Ali Mohammed did not get a chance to compete in the event after being declared underage by the organisers. Dur Mohammed, Mohammed Younis and Shahid Khan lost in the opening rounds.

Qarar fought well against his strong and tall rival Mendoz Zapiata who was too strong for him to handle. Mendoz a former world champion in the featherweight category handed out 33-13 defeat to Qarar.

Qarar completely outboxed conceded 9 points to 3 in the first round and 9:2 in the second. Qarar however came out better in the third round only to lose 6:5. Qarar's punches failed to reach the target time and again due to his opponent's extra height. Mendoz taking full advantage of reach and experience won the fourth round also 9:3.

The Pakistan team will leave Jeju on June 18 and will arrive at Karachi Airport on June 18. Manager Shah Naeem Zafar said that they are very disappointed on being out of the championship. He said that before the event they had hopes of winning at least a medal.

Shah said that the standard of boxing is very high here and our boys need a lot of preparations for such type of championships. -PPI