Indian boxing star Vijender Singh's scheduled opponent for his next fight, China's Zulpikar Maimaitiali, on Friday, backed out.
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.
Vijender also snatched the WBO Oriental Super Middleweight title from the Chinese, who is nine years younger to him.
'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.
Indian boxing star Vijender Singh will be in contention for a second belt when he takes on China's WBO Oriental Super Middleweight champion Zulpikar Maimaitiali.
'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.
Vijender Singh's proposed double title fight against Oriental Super middleweight champion Zulpikar Maimaitiali is back on track for an August showdown.
A summary of sports events and sports persons, who made news on Monday
'Boxing is a sport and sometimes one punch can make a difference.'
With just a week to go for mega double title defence fight, African champion Ernest Amuzu threatened to stop India's boxing sensation Vijender Singh and end his unbeaten run in the pro circuit.
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.
'There is more responsibility because it is India versus China and right now the situation is bad.'