Hà Thị Linh (centre) and her WBO Asia Pacific belt after beating Chinese Zhao Yuanyuan in her first pro fight on Saturday in Shenzhen. Photo courtesy of Nguyễn Như Cường

HÀ NỘI — Hà Thị Linh pocketed a win in her professional debut over Zhao Yuanyuan in the World Boxing Organisation Asia Pacific tournament’s women’s 61kg category in Shenzhen, China, on Saturday.

The Vietnamese champion dealt with her taller Chinese rival with ease.

Zhao, who had won both her fights prior to facing Linh, was floored in the first round and faced a standing eight count before resuming the bout.

Southeast Asian Games winner Linh dominated the four-round fight and scored a 36-27 win.

“It is a great start for our female boxing and Việt Nam boxing. It plays a key role in encouraging athletes to follow their professional career and makes them more confident for coming tournaments,” said coach Nguyễn Như Cường.

Linh, 26, will be one of Việt Nam’s representatives at the world championships in Russia in October and the 31st SEA Games in November in the Philippines. — VNS