Vijender Singh defeats Dean Gillen with first-round knockout in his second pro bout

Vijender Singh came up with a stunning display in his second professional bout in Dublin on Saturday, as he knocked out Dean Gillen in the first round. With it, Vijender has recorded back-to-back victories, having defeated Sonny Whiting in his first professional bout.

The victory against Gillen was even more special for Vijender as the bout was also a matter of pride, having been referred to as the "Battle of the Badges." Vijender is a Deputy Superintendent with the Haryana Police, and Gillen a Nottingham firefighter.

Vijender started the bout in amazing fashion as he threw a number of punches at Gillen, who must have been taken aback by such aggression. The Indian did not give the UK boxer a chance to come back in the first round. This flurry of punches was enough for Vijender to win the bout via knockout.

Though Vijender had won the first bout via technical knockout, his performance against Gillen was clearly a clinical one — as compared to his debut fight — as he showed some great power and aggression, which are required in professional boxing. Apart from his powerful punches, Vijender moved brilliantly in the ring and his fast hand against Gillen was a great sight for boxing fans.

With Vijender performing so well in the professional circuit, one has to give credit to his trainer Lee Beard, who is preparing the Indian boxer to deliver as a professional. Vijender, who was pleased with his second bout, said his victory over Gillen was a Diwali gift for his fans.

"I am very happy with my performance in the second professional fight of my career. I have just performed as per the tactics and whatever I have learnt in the last two months from Lee Beard and Hroon. This win is a Diwali gift for my country and fans," PTI quoted him  as saying.

Vijender, who has been sweating it out during training, will take a break of a week now and will come to India to celebrate Diwali with his family.

"Two back-to-back wins have boosted my morale. I know this is just the beginning of my professional career, but I am confident that I will work hard in the coming days and make my country proud. After two months of hectic schedule, I am finally taking a break of one week and going to India to celebrate Diwali with my family. Then, I will start preparing for my next fight scheduled on 19 December in Manchester," he said.