She had dared to challenge a legend, world's most successful boxer MC Mary Kom by demanding a 'trial' against her ahead of the Olympic qualifier to prove whether the great boxer still remained "the best in the business." And now, she has replied back Mary Kom's "who is she" remark by saying the 'boxing great' lacked respect for her compatriots and competitors.

READ: Rugby World Cup: England beat Australia 40-16, reach the semifinals

Nikhat Zareen replies to Mary Kom's statements

"I am not surprised by what she has said. Earlier also she has said something like this against Pinky Jhangra. So there is nothing new in it. In fact, I was expecting and waiting for this. She always lashes out against her opponents or competitors. We also deserve some respect," Nikhat Zareen told Republic TV in a telephonic interview today.

She said she had always considered Mary her idol & looked up to her for inspiration but at the same time she also has an equal right to compete. "I am just asking for my right to compete. This is a universal rule followed everywhere in any federation all over the world. So why Boxing Federation of India has all of a sudden changed the rules just to give her a favour? I was told that she deserved to go to World Champiinship because she was the defending gold medalist. Fair Enough. But now she has won a bronze not Gold. So again they are changing the rules. Boxing Federation of India is completely biased and its openly showing. You tell me am I wrong in asking for the most basic rights of an athlete? That is a trial to decide the best in the business."

READ: "Who is she?" Mary Kom lashes out at challenger Nikhat Zareen

Nikhat Zareen thanks Abhinav Bindra

Nikhat thanked Abhinav Bindra for his tweet and support in which the Olympic gold medalist said no matter how great you are you will still go through the stern test every time to prove that you are still the best against the new breed of champions. Nikhat criticized Mary for her outburst against Bindra saying her remarks were very wrong and unnecessary. 

Finally she pointed out that Mary was factually incorrect in alleging that JSW link was behind all these. "I want to mention that I am managed by Baseline company and I have nothing to do with JSW."

READ: Nikhat Zareen deserves a trial against Mary Kom: Abhinav Bindra

READ: Kiren Rijiju assures Nikhat Zareen that BFI will take a fair decision