Vijender Singh has not lost a single bout in his professional career since turning pro in October last year and defeating Sonny Whiting. Since then, Vijender has only become better and sharper, defeating five more boxers, including Andrzej Soldra last month, via technical knockout.
With such victories under his belt, the Bhiwani boxer is set for the biggest match of his professional career, against Australia's Kerry Hope, at the Thyagaraj Stadium on July 16, as the two boxers will battle it out for the WBO Asia title belt.
The title fight was supposed to take place in June 11, but has been pushed back by one month and five days.
With the date and opponent already set for a mammoth fight now, Vijender needs to get in perfect shape and get his strategy right in order to defeat Hope.
Vijender, after his win over Soldra, expressed his desire to fight in front of his home fans in India. The Indian boxer has never fought as a professional in India, with all of his last six fights taking shape in the UK.
Though Vijender will be keen to win his first title fight, there will be pressure on the boxer as the home fans will be expecting a smashing win. Defeating Hope will not be an easy task as the Australian is far more experienced, with 30 fights so far, compared to Vijender's six.
Hope, like Vijender, had a solid start to his professional career, winning his initial matches with ease. The Australian won his first 11 fights, and comes into this bout with three straight wins as well.
With such record and experience, Vijender has his task cut out. But the same had been said while facing a few of his other opponents as well, with the Indian star showcasing his skills, bringing out his jabs and strong punches to great effect, to emerge victorious.
"He is a superstar in India but to me he is just a boxer. He has been pro for a year, I have been pro for 12 years. I bring a lot of experience. I know the crowd will be behind him but I like being the underdog. The pressure is on him. He has to train harder," PTI quoted Hope as saying.
"I have been world No.3 in the past. I have heard about his achievements but all that is in amateur. I am an experienced operator in the pro circuit."
