‘Standoff will impact the fight’
Following an eightmonth hiatus from the boxing ring, WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight champion Vijender Singh will take on China’s Zulpikar Maimaitiali, and the Indian termed his opponent as inexperienced ahead of the showdown here on Saturday.
“He’s been through just eight fights so I don’t consider him as an experienced boxer. He’s young and got about 5-6 knockouts to his name, but we are prepared for that,” said Vijender after his arrival on Wednesday.
He said his tactics will depend on the approach of his opponent. “I will fight according to his approach to the fight. His inexperience may lead him into making mistakes, trying to rush into it. He’s always in a rush to finish the fight,” said Vijender, as he prepares for the dual-title event. The fight comes amidst the political stand-off between India and China, and Vijender feels the situation will impact the bout.
“It is at the end of the day an India vs China bout and given the current situation I feel a sense of responsibility to make India proud,” said the 31-year old.
Vijender’s British trainer Lee Beard was confident and said if everything went to plan Vijender would dominate the night.“I have asked him to be relaxed and calm. His body is in great shape, so just have to make sure he is not doing anything crazy,” said Beard.