Moscow: Dinesh Kumar outpunched Algeria's Abdelhafid Benchabla 17-11 to enter the semi-final of the light heavy weight division and after Akhil Kumar, became the second Indian pugilist to assure himself of a medal at the AIBA Boxing World Cup in Moscow.
Dinesh will now face Russia's Vladimir Cheles, who beat Artur Beterbeiv of Maldives 5-1 in the other quarter-final bout, in the semi-finals on December 13.
The win for the Haryana boxer on Wednesday night must have healed the wounds of the first-round loss to Benchabla at Beijing Olympics earlier this year.
However, the 20-year-old pugilist is in no mood to relax and said he would be more fired up for his next bout as he is up against a tough competitor.
''I am pleased with the win and definitely, my morale is also very high. I have a tough match in the next round but I am hopeful that I will come good once again,'' Dinesh said after his win.
Though Dinesh got the wildcard at the 11th hour, he could spring in some more surprises as none of the four Olympic medallists is competing in his 81 kg category.
Earlier on Wednesday, Olympic quarter-finalist Akhil Kumar became the first Indian to move into the semis outpunching Germany's Marcel Schneider 15-6 in his bantam weight category.
Akhil will now take on Beijing Olympics silver medallist Yankiel Leon Alarcon of Cuba in the semi-finals on December 13.
The two Indian pugilists have not only assured themselves of at least a bronze medal but with it a prize money of $2,500 as well.
The gold medallist at the World Cup is rewarded with $10,000, while the bronze medallist takes home $5,000.
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