SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Having played his last bout in November 2019 in Dubai, Indian boxer Vijender Singh will play his first bout after almost a year and half when spars with Russian Artysh Lopsan in the Battle on Ship in Panjim, on Friday.
Vijender will look to extend his 12-games unbeaten run which includes eight knock-outs.
Vijender is expected to face a stiff challenge from the 26-year-old Russian, who also has a decent record as a professional boxer. Lopsan, who is 6ft 4-inches tall, in his six bouts as a professional boxer, has won four, including two knock-outs and has registered one defeat and one draw.
However, the Indian boxer is composed about the fight and said, “There is no pressure. It’s all about boxing. It’s all about the spirit. Because of Covid sll things were shut, but now we are coming back. I am here to fight,” stated Vijender.
“It’s Boxing and the excitement is the same in this sport irrespective of where it’s been played,” he added.
Both the boxers have been training in the coastal state ahead of the marquee event. Vijender had a sparring session with friend-cum-coach Jai Bhagwan at the Salvador-do-Mundo boxing hall on Wednesday.
Vijender is unfazed that he is up against a very tall rival.
"He is tall and I will take it slow at the start but I'm confident of beating him nonetheless. Height is not everything and in boxing, you need strength and strategy. I have experience under my belt and Lopsan is still a kid. My unbeaten streak will continue after March 19. The tougher the opponent, the more fun to beat him," Vijender had recently said.
The day will also witness Pro Panja League, an arm wrestling tournament at the same venue before the main fight between Vijender and Lopsan.
The contest will be streamed live on 'Book My Show' and Fancode.
