The five-time world champion was no match for her British opponent who was egged on by a vociferous home crowd that included Prime Minister David Cameron and last edition’s silver medallist Aamir Khan.
It was Mary’s 5ft 2 inches frame that became her undoing as Nicola used her big body and greater reach to a good effect, landing punches from a distance and then also staying out of her opponent’s reach.
The first round was 3-1 in favour of Nicola better known as “Babyface” in the boxing fraternity. The second round saw Nicola land a lethal right hook followed by a powerful straight left which caught Mary off-guard. Three more points and consolidating the lead at 5-2, it became very difficult for the Indian to come back.
The penultimate round saw a desperate Mary trying to make a comeback but Nicola evaded the ‘pint-sized’ Indian dynamo as she couldn’t land a few decisive blows that could have turned the tide. The round was 3-2 in favour of the British and decisive lead of 8-4.
The final round was all about how the British boxer would keep Mary Kom at bay and she did that effectively tiring the Manipuri girl, who out of frustration landed a couple of blows at the back of her opponent’s head.
An 11-6 result may depict that there was some fight but it was crystal clear that the two-time World Championship runner-up was an emphatic winner.
However, a bronze is certainly a great effort from ’Magnificent Mary”, whose name would be etched in the history of Indian sports as she will certainly remain the first among equals as far as women’s boxing is concerned.
Divya Trivedi adds from Manipur
The mood was sombre at Mary Kom's home, but her friends and family put up a brave face and saying that they were still happy that she will be getting a bronze and as one of them said, "This is life, such things happen in play," with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face.
Mary's father was unable to contain himself and became emotional. With a heavy heart he bravely wiped his tears and said what has happened is ok, it is fine."I am sad that she has not won the silver, but I am very very happy that she has won the bronze."
Earlier PTI story adds
Earlier, many supporters walked through the streets of the capital and elsewhere with placards in hand and praying for her and another boxer from Manipur, Devendroo Singh's success in the 49kg class quarterfinal bout.
"I pray to God at the temple before and after the game of Mary Kom," said her first boxing coach Ibomcha Singh, expressing confidence that Mary would do well in the remaining two bouts. Singh said Mary appeared to be tense in the beginning of her fights, but got back her nerves thereafter.
Reports from some parts of the state said sports lovers and supporters of the two boxers prayed before temples and churches by offering flowers.
Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh also prayed for Mary's success.
"Let us pray for her golden victory," he said and declared that the government would soon announce the amount of money to be awarded to the successful state players at the Olympics.
Devendroo will fight against Paddy Barnes of Ireland.
Different civil society groups, including students' bodies, have appealed to the state electricity department to supply uninterrupted power during the matches of the two boxers.
Family members of Mary Kom in Manipur said said they watched television when she was fighting in the earlier bouts.
Mary, who will soon be promoted to the rank of additional superintendent of police in the Manipur police department, hails from interior Churachandpur district.
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