Indian boxing star Vijender Singh's power-packed punches went unchallenged yet again as he notched up his fifth successive knockout win.
The professionals, whose arrival ends 112 years of amateur exclusivity but continues the sport's long tradition of controversy, will be harder to spot.
Unbeaten with demolishing victories in the previous three contests, star Indian boxer Vijender Singh will take on a slightly more experienced Hungarian Alexander Horvath in his fourth professional bout on March 12 in Liverpool. Vijender is preparing for a homecoming to India in June when he will fight maiden title bout -- the WBO Asia belt. The in-form middleweight has been unbeaten in the circuit, having clinched all his three wins by knockouts in only six rounds of action since his pro debut last October. Vijender will have no time to rest as he has another big fight lined up just three weeks' later at the Harrow Sports Centre, London, as he builds towards his ground-breaking title opportunity in India. Horvath comes into the fight against Vijender with a record of five wins from seven fights. The 20-year-old has the edge in experience over Singh with 31 rounds under his belt and has no fear of fighting abroad, taking bouts in Slovakia and France. "It's my absolute dream to fight back home in India in front of my countrymen and women so I won't let Horvath get in my way of that at all," stated Vijender Singh. "I need to continue my unbeaten record and it's important that I put on a commanding performance against Horvath and then next at Harrow to keep on course for my title shot and my homecoming," he said. Speaking about his opponent, Vijender said he does not consider Hungarian a major threat. "Horvath is a good solid opponent, maybe he will give me a few new tests, he has done more rounds than me and has a bit more experience, but will that compete with the power that I have and when I start landing my shots. "I don't believe that he'll be standing around for too long," he said. "I'm really excited as this is my first fight of the year and there are big plans ahead so I aim to make a very big statement of intent in Liverpool against Horvath that will show that I'm ready to fight for a title later this year."
Underdog Tyson Fury caused a huge boxing upset on Saturday, stunning Wladimir Klitschko with a points victory to snatch the champion's four titles and become the first Briton to hold a world heavyweight crown since 2011.
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.
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Tuesday
I always bring my A-game and this fight against Andre Berto is no exception, says the 38-year-old Mayweather, who will get back in the ring on September 12
Medals galore at most tournaments they gloved up for and an administrative recovery that heldout promise of a better future -- there were loads to celebrate in Indian boxing this year, during which quite a few punched above their weight.
Ex-world champ Cheka 'ready to put Vijender in his place'
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Saturday
As the year 2016 draws to a close, vote for the best Indian sportsperson of the year.
Trainers engage in a war of words on Thursday.
"I am wondering if he (Mayweather) is going to show up, I really do," says Manny Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach.
A summary of sports events and persons who made news on Sunday
A summary of sports events and sports persons, who made news on Thursday
'When you meet Rahul Gandhi, you will know he is definitely the right guy to lead this country.'
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Thursday
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Wednesday
Atkinson, at the grand old age of 73, exclusively tells Laxmi Negi/rediff.com that his heart would love Manny to win, but his head says 'Moneybags' has all the skills to pull it off.
Filipino politician-turned-boxer Manny Pacquiao has said that he is fully confident of beating undefeated US boxing champion Floyd Mayweather despite being tipped as the 'underdog' for the much-anticipated 'fight of the century' bout on May 2 in Las Vegas.
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.
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Saturday
A summary of sports events and sports persons, who made news on Thursday
In Australian Kerry Hope, Vijender Singh faces a plucky opponent who has the potential to surprise the home favourite
Against the more seasoned Francis Cheka, Vijender Singh faces a tricky battle that he is favoured to win.
'He has been in Bollywood movies, he has been in the Olympics three times, he has been all around the world fighting.' 'This is just another fight for Vijender and if you know the guy, he will fight like a champion.'
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.
Six of the most memorable bouts to have ever taken place in the history of boxing.
Besides fighting Manny Pacquiao, British boxer Amir Khan wants to channel boxing talent in India and Pakistan.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances