Almaty (Kazakhstan), Oct 18 (IANS): Manpreet Singh (91kg) became the first Indian boxer to advance to the pre-quarterfinals of the World Boxing Championships after defeating his opponent in the preliminaries of the heavyweight division here Friday.

Manpreet, who got a bye in the first round, beat Keddy Agnes of Seychelles in his opening bout.

Manpreet, a silver medallist at the 2010 Asian Games, has had a long break from competition and is playing his first international tournament this year.

Friday, he was seen in full flow against the Seychelles boxer. His hard hitting uppercuts and jabs did a lot of damage and put Keddy on the back foot right from the very beginning. Manpreet went on to make the pre-quarters by virtue of a unanimous decision.

The Indian has his task cut out in the next round as he takes on World No.1 Teymur Mammadov of Azerbaijan Monday. Teymur is the 2012 London Olympic bronze winner and the reigning European Champion.

Manoj Kumar (64kg) lock horns with another European Champion - Fatih Keles of Turkey - later Friday.