Boxer Vijender Gung-Ho Ahead of WBO Asia Pacific Title Defence  

New Delhi: Indian boxing star Vijender Singh on Tuesday said that he is well prepared to face Tanzanian Francis Cheka as he bids to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title here on Saturday.

Olympic 2008 bronze medallist Vijender, who is on a highly impressive 7-0 unbeaten record, sounded confident during the pre-bout face-off against 34-year-old Cheka, the former World Boxing Federation (WBF) champion.

Both the pugilists were involved in a war of words ahead of the bout to be held at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex in the national capital. Cheka termed Vijender inexperienced and claimed that his record of 43 fights with no less than 17 knockout wins will give him advantage.

Francis Cheka said through a translator. Vijender has little experience in pro boxing. He is like a child who has just gotten into the professional ring and doesn’t know what all challenges he will face. I have been preparing very hard for this, this is like a whole new challenge for me, and I am all geared up and set to take him down. My punches will knock out Vijender in the early rounds in front of his home crowd.

The African champion also said that he will be fighting in Asia for the first time and wishes to win over new fans through the win on Saturday.

Apart from this bout, the boxing event also has five other undercard fights following up to the main bout.

IOS Boxing Promotions has brought in Pardeep Kharkera (67kg), Kuldeep Dhanda (61kg), Dharmender (91kg), Deepak Tanwar (67kg)) and Rajesh Kumar (61kg). Neerav Tomar, Promoter, IOS Boxing Promotions, said that they faced a lot of hardships in putting together this event due to the demonetisation. "Having committed sponsors early on helped in overcoming the difficulties," he said.

--IANS