<p>Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Gaurav Solanki (57kg) advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers for boxing with a dominating triumph over Kyrgyzstan's Akylbek Esenbek Uulu in the opening round here on Tuesday.</p>.<p>Solanki, whose CWG gold was in the 52kg division, prevailed 5-0 against the two-time Kyrgyz national champion to enter the last-16 stage where he will be up against top-seeded Uzbek Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov, who got a bye into the second round.</p>.<p>Mirzakhalilov is the reigning world champion in this weight category besides being a gold-medallist at the 2019 Asian Games as well as the Asian Championships.</p>.<p>Solanki dominated from the word go, helped by Uulu's poor defense. The Indian was relentless and accurate in his attacks, scoring mostly through clean straight punches.</p>.<p>Advancing to the semifinals in this event would assure boxers of a spot in the Tokyo Olympics scheduled later this year. </p>
<p>Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Gaurav Solanki (57kg) advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers for boxing with a dominating triumph over Kyrgyzstan's Akylbek Esenbek Uulu in the opening round here on Tuesday.</p>.<p>Solanki, whose CWG gold was in the 52kg division, prevailed 5-0 against the two-time Kyrgyz national champion to enter the last-16 stage where he will be up against top-seeded Uzbek Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov, who got a bye into the second round.</p>.<p>Mirzakhalilov is the reigning world champion in this weight category besides being a gold-medallist at the 2019 Asian Games as well as the Asian Championships.</p>.<p>Solanki dominated from the word go, helped by Uulu's poor defense. The Indian was relentless and accurate in his attacks, scoring mostly through clean straight punches.</p>.<p>Advancing to the semifinals in this event would assure boxers of a spot in the Tokyo Olympics scheduled later this year. </p>