Indian star boxer Vijender Singh has said that he is open to fight Pakistan-origin British boxer Amir Khan in the pro boxing ring. Just a day back, Khan had admitted his interest in fighting Vijender in the near future in India.
While the fight between the two of the most sensational boxers ever will be a mouthwatering treat for boxing fans, there is a catch -- the weight division. While Khan fights in the middleweight (72.5kg) category, Vijender fights in the super middleweight (76kg) category.
Interestingly, Khan and Vijender also have almost the same records. Scheduled for the WBC middleweight title bout against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 7, Khan, 29, boasts a 31-3-0 record in his overall boxing career.
Vijender, 30, boasts an overall 32-2-0 record in his amateur and pro boxing career so far. However, as a pro, Amir Khan outclasses Vijender Singh in terms of experience. While Amir turned pro in 2008, Vijender turned pro only in 2015.
"I accept the challenge of Amir Khan and I am sure this fight will be a big boost to boxing in our country," Vijender was quoted as saying by the Indian Express. "As we both fight in different weight categories so will have to see whether Amir gains or I have to lose weight.
"I have started my professional boxing career last year only and have made only 4 appearances in the pro ring. It might take me just one more year when I will be ready to fight against Amir Khan. I am sure this fight will attract international limelight and attention," added Vijender, who takes on Matiouze Royer at the Copper Box Arena in London on April 30 in his next fight.
Vijender may not have that experience to take on Amir Khan in the pro boxing ring at the moment, but a fight between them somewhere in 2017 or 2018 doesn't look too far-fetched.
"Of course a fight is definitely possible but may be next year or 2018," Neerav Tomar, CEO and MD of IOS Boxing Promotions, said. "Either Amir has to gain weight or Vijender needs to lose some. For Amir, with his body structure I am not sure whether he can. Ditto Vijender. Thus, it is very much possible, but the technicalities exist."
