In front of a packed arena, in his first pro bout that lasted all ten rounds, Vijender Singh beat Kerry Hopes 98-92-98-92 and 100-92 in a close contest to win the WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight title fight in New Delhi on Saturday.
Unbeaten Indian professional boxing star Vijender Singh will be back in action next month after more than a year long hiatus forced by COVID-19.
World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has sanctioned WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title and WBO Oriental Super Middleweight title between Vijender Singh and China's Zulpikar Maimaitiali in first week of August in Mumbai.
After becoming the first Indian to win a pro title, Vijender Singh said the real journey starts for him now in his quest to become the World champion in the professional circuit.
Vijender Singh believes his bout against Australia's Kerry Hope -- for the WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight crown -- will go a long way in determining the future of pro boxing in the country.
Will bout will offer viewers the glitz and glamour of Vegas-style boxing event
Vijender Singh knocked out Tanzanian Francis Cheka inside 3 rounds to defended his WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title on Saturday.
"Be careful what you wish for, kid", was British boxing star Amir Khan's response to Vijender Singh and his promoters as they proposed a possible showdown between the two in the coming months.
Confident but not complacent ahead of his WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight title defence this Saturday, Indian boxing star Vijender Singh has been working with a strength coach -- John Joyce -- to prepare for the face-off against former world champion Francis Cheka.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modicongratulated Vijender Singh on clinching the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title, saying that the star boxer has made the country proud with his feat.
Getting a ringside view of the action were Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Indian Premier League commissioner Rajiv Shukla, Olympic champion boxer MC Mary Kom, star wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, cricketers Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina.
'I have not fought in a 10-round fight before, but my training will help me give my best till the end.' 'If I get the opportunity to knock him out early I will go for it.'
Former European champion and an experienced Australian boxer Kerry Hope dared India's knockout king Vijender Singh ahead of their WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight championship title to be held in New Delhi on July 16.
'There is more responsibility because it is India versus China and right now the situation is bad.'
Vijender also snatched the WBO Oriental Super Middleweight title from the Chinese, who is nine years younger to him.
Vijender Singh's proposed double title fight against Oriental Super middleweight champion Zulpikar Maimaitiali is back on track for an August showdown.
Vijender, who is promoted by IOS Boxing Promotions, is the reigning WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight champion and is expected to defend his title for a second time next month after the IPL.
Vijender Singh will defend his WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title against Francis Cheka in New Delhi on December 17.
'I want to give this title to the people of China because it is all about peace, it is all about India-China friendship.'
Star Indian boxer Vijender Singh said he is aiming for another "early finish" when he faces WBO Oriental super middleweight champion Zulpikar Maimaitiali of China in Mumbai on Saturday.
His first fight of the year could fetch Vijender Singh his second title but the Indian boxing star says save for minor tweaks in technique, he isn't making any special preparations for the showdown with China's Zulpikar Maimaitiali next month.
Vijender Singh said he is doing high intensity training ahead of his much-awaited title fight at home and hopes to 'knockout' Australian Kerry Hope early for the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight Championship crown.
As the year 2016 draws to a close, vote for the best Indian sportsperson of the year.
'I am feeling so nervous. I will be among so many big politicians.' 'It is a big responsibility and I hope I learn every day and do something for the people in whatever way I can.'
Vijender Singh's UK-based promoter Francis Warren tells Rediff.com's Harish Kotian that he can't wait to see the Indian boxing sensation get a chance to challenge for the World title.
'Vijender is a power puncher, he is a smart boxer as well.' Lee Beard, Vijender Singh's trainer, highlights why the Indian boxer is the favourite for Saturday's double title clash.
In Australian Kerry Hope, Vijender Singh faces a plucky opponent who has the potential to surprise the home favourite
'Boxing is a sport and sometimes one punch can make a difference.'
Against the more seasoned Francis Cheka, Vijender Singh faces a tricky battle that he is favoured to win.
'When you meet Rahul Gandhi, you will know he is definitely the right guy to lead this country.'
An Olympic campaign saved by the fortitude of three women, a cricket team that rediscovered itself under a bold and zealous Virat Kohli -- Indian sports in 2016 was a dramatic mix of highs and lows wherein athletes mostly raised the bar but administrators found new ways to embarrass the country.
'A few months ago, everybody was saying, "Why isn't Vijender taking part in the Olympics?"' 'This is not like going to Haryana or Delhi that you just take a ticket and reach there.' 'Going to the Olympics is not easy'
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