Star Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen out-punched Algeria’s Boualam Roumaysa to secure a pre-quarter final berth in the Women’s World Boxing Championships here on Sunday.

Last edition’s bronze medallist Manisha Maun (57kg) too advanced to the Roundof-16 with a 5-0 win against Rahimi Tina of Australia.

Competing in the 50kg event, Nikhat beat the reigning African champion by a 5-0 unanimous verdict to notch her second win in the tournament.

Both held themselves back initially and maintained a safe distance. Nikhat, who won gold in the last edition, drew first blood. The Algerian followed suit as the two pugilists tried to get the better of one other.

The first round went in Nikhat’s favour and the Indian began the next round by going all out. Both boxers played with aggression but in the end Nikhat emerged victorious.

“She gets very aggressive if you are in close range. So, I had aimed to play from far but there was clinching and a bit of dirty game,” Nikhat said after the bout.