‘ No presssure, but responsibility’
Star boxer Vijender Singh said he feels “no pressure” ahead of his first home professional bout against Australia’s Kerry Hope for the WBO Asia- Pacific super- middleweight title, but a sense of responsibility for the future of the sport in the country.
“I think, there is no pressure ( but) more responsibility because this fight will decide what is the future of pro boxing in India.
“People are excited and will come to see ( the fight),” the 2008 Olympic Games bronze- medallist said in Mumbai.
“Of course I will have to give ( my) 100 per cent, I have to win the fight, that’s ( an) important part, but there is no pressure, ( only) responsibility to fulfil it and take the title,” said the 30year- old.
Vijender, who has won his first six professional fights inside the distance, is up against an opponent who brings the experience of 30 bouts, of which he has won 23, two by knock- outs.
Exuding confidence ahead of the fight, Vijender said, “He is a southpaw and I know he is a very experienced guy. I spoke to ( my) coach. We will take him, it’s not that difficult, don’t worry.
“I don’t want to say anything before the fight, pass any comment or any bad thing about him, like I am going to destroy him,” said the bronze medal winner in the 2009 World Championship in middleweight ( 75kg).
“But I know, he has experience, I know that his recored is 35 or something. But I have an Olympic medal.
“I did get ( medals) in the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. I can do that and I know that.”
I will have to give ( my) 100 per cent, I have to win the fight, that’s ( an) important part VIJENDER SINGH PRO BOXER