Nguyễn Thị Hương of Việt Nam celebrates after winning the quarter-finals of the AIBA World Boxing Championships women's U81kg class in Russia. Photo webthethao.vn

HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Thị Hương won a historic bronze medal at the AIBA World Boxing Championships which closed in Ulan Ude in Russia on Sunday.

Hương, competing in the women’s light heavy under 81kg, defeated American Graham Dixon Krystal in the quarter-finals. She advanced to the semi-finals which ensured her a third place finish.

She then lost to Turkey’s Elif Guneri in the last four.

Zenfira Magomedalieva of Russia took gold and Guneri earned silver.

The bronze was Việt Nam's first medal at a world tournament.

Earlier, Asian champion Nguyễn Thị Tâm lost out on a semi-final spot after a controversial decision by the judges on Saturday.

Tâm was announced winner of the quarter-final against Aetbaeva Liliya of the hosts in the women’s fly under 51kg category, before the decision was reversed.

Vietnamese coaches lodged complaints but to no avail. The Russian went on to win the title. — VNS