Lots of surprises, some scepticism and a few brickbats followed his decision to quit amateur boxing and star Indian pugilist Vijender Singh will look to live up to the unprecedented hype when he makes his eagerly-awaited professional debut against Britain’s Sonny Whiting here on Saturday.
The 29-year-old, who scripted history as an amateur by becoming India’s first Olympic and World Championships medallist, is all set to begin a new chapter in his illustrious boxing career.
In his debut middleweight pro bout, the strapping six-footer faces a cocky opponent in Whiting, who has promised to put him “through hell”. The 26-year-old from Rochester is three bouts old on the circuit and has a 2-1 win-loss record.
Blow for blow Despite the verbal provocations, Vijender has remained his usual composed self and has promised to answer every threat with his punches in the ring. “I am totally focused and waiting for the right moment to reply in the ring. I am not at all bothered by his comments. I will reply with my punches,” Vijender said on the eve of the bout.
Vijender, who signed up with Queensberry Promotions in July, is not the first Indian to enter the professional arena with the likes of Gurcharan Singh and Pradeep Sihag having been a regular on the circuit earlier. However, never before has an Indian boxer’s professional debut generated this kind of hype.
Live on Sony Six, 10.20 p.m. on Saturday
