Vijender Singh has enjoyed big success in the professional boxing circuit so far, with three consecutive wins after turning pro last year. Vijender will be keen to maintain his uinbeaten record, as he prepares to fight Alexander Horvath in his fourth pro bout at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, Saturday.
The pugilist from India has been impressive in his last three fights, securing knockout wins against Sony Whiting, Dean Gillen and Samet Hyuseinov. He has shown great aggression and strong punching ability in all those fights to emerge triumphant. Vijender's remarkable start to his pro career has even landed him with a chance to fight for the WBO Asia belt in June in India.
However, that title bout is still a few months away and he should concentrate on what lies just ahead.
Vijender's fight against Horvath is his first fight of the year, and it is not going to be an easy one, for the boxer from Hungary is a little more experienced when compared to Vijender. Horvath has fought seven times and has emerged victorious five times along with a loss and draw.
Horvath has been bagging headlines for the way he has been preparing for the bout. Besides normal sparring sessions, the boxer has been drinking snake blood to prepare for the bout. Horvath believes he has been able to train harder for the bout after drinking snake blood.
"There is a long and proud tradition of drinking fresh snake blood in my family that goes back many centuries. Like my forefathers before me I am a true warrior and will stop at nothing to get my victory. Hungarian soldiers drank snake blood to defeat the Turks all those years ago and now I'm drinking it to beat Singh!" Indian Express quoted Horvath as saying.
"The blood of these sacred animals makes me powerful beyond words. With snake blood coursing through my veins there in no way that Singh will defeat me. Since I've added snake blood to my diet I have been able to train harder than ever before without tiring and I'm punching harder than ever."
This is not the first time Vijender's opponent has spoken about defeating the Indian boxer. All the other three boxers, who lost, also did the same, but the 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist talked with his gloves inside the ring. A similar response will be expected from Vijender in Liverpool.
Vijender's preparation for his fourth pro bout has been normal, fighting against sparring partners. The pugilist has also been fighting for 10-12 rounds against some boxers from various clubs.
"My coach takes me to different clubs where he introduces me to fighters of those clubs, who is or was a professional belt or title holder. Some of them are very good. I go for eight-ten rounds of boxing. Sometimes it's less also but I now fight 10-12 rounds. My ultimate aim is to go back and do well back home." Vijender said.
"My trainers Lee Beard and Haroon Headley are working really hard. I cannot let them down. Hopefully, Saturday will be my day."
Vijender's fourth pro bout schedule
Venue: Echo Arena, Liverpool
Date: March 12
Time: 6 p.m GMT (11:30 p.m IST)
TV listings: India: Star Sports 2/HD
