Vijender Singh is all set to try and win the WBO Commonwealth and world titles next year, but is unsure of who he would meet first after British boxer Rocky Fielding decided to vacate his Commonwealth crown.
Till a few days ago, it was almost sure that Vijender’s first attempt would be to challenge Fielding for the Commonwealth title and then go a step ahead for the ultimate world crown.
“I have heard that Fielding has vacated his title, but I don’t know the reason. But whosoever is the new champion, the bout in on, probably in next March,” said Neerav Tomar, the head of Vijender’s promotional company, IOS Boxing.
Vijender, on his part, remained unperturbed. “Whoever be the opponent, I don’t mind. My aim is to go for bigger titles like Commonwealth and World next year and I am ready to fight,” he told The Telegraph, on Friday.
Asked whether he was considering a bout with British boxer Amir Khan, who has his roots in Pakistan, Vijender said: “I have been hearing a lot about it. Let there be a fight. He is an Olympic medal winner and so am I... May be, such a sporting rivalry can bring down the tension between India and Pakistan.”
Having spent considerable time in the pro circuit, Vijender has developed a philosophical attitude towards the sport. “It is all about hard work and extreme determination. Once in the ring, you have to dedicate everything. But at the same time, it is a matter of one punch,” he said.
“There is always psychological pressure in the professional circuit. You have to overcome it constantly. There is no looking back when you are at war,” he added.
On Saturday night, Vijender wants every boxing fan in Jaipur to come to the Sawai Man Singh Stadium to cheer him against Ghana’s Ernest Amuzu.
“For me, fighting in Jaipur is like homecoming. As an Indian Railways employee, I had stayed here before and have fond memories of the city. My appeal to all people in Jaipur is that you come and cheer for me. I want to hear you shout Viju, Viju when I enter the ring on Saturday,” he said.
