Boxing fans in India have been eagerly waiting for superstar Vijender Singh to defend his WBO Asia Pacific Super middleweight title against Francis Cheka. The wait is more than over as we are just a day away from the fight, which is scheduled at Thyagaraj Sport Complex in New Delhi on Saturday.
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When Vijender Singh last fought in India, there was tremendous support for the India star, who defeated Australian Kerry Hope to win his first title. That fight proved to be his biggest test as it was the only bout where he failed to win via knockout, explaining the tough nature of the bout then.
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Things are not going to be any easy against Cheka, who is not only an experienced fighter with 300 bouts to his name, but an explosive boxer too. After a wonderful start to Vijender's career -- seven straight wins -- such tough fight was expected to come where he has to take his game to another level to retain the title.
Cheka is looking to become the first pro boxer to hand Vijender a defeat inside the boxing ring, and the Tanzanian boxer, who has openly stated that he will beat the Indian, has all the ingredients to clinch the title. Cheka is a good boxer, and wiith great experience under his belt, he knows what it takes to beat some top boxers.
Though Cheka might be super confident, Vijender has already taken rapid strides in the boxing circuit, climbing the ranking charts with great efficiency. The Indian boxer is already ranked world number 10, which has been made possible by his stunning performance ever since his debut last year.
VIjender knows that the bout is going to be tough, and has undergone some serious training under the watchful eyes of Lee Beard, who has been a huge figure for the Indian in his pro boxing career so far. Vijender will be keenly supported by the home fans, but the boxer also has to give his best to defeat Cheka, which could be his biggest victory in his career.
Vijender Singh vs Francis Cheka schedule
Date: December 17
Time: 7 pm IST onwards
TV listings: India: Star Sports 1/HD. UK: Box Nation
