Out of action for over a year, Vijender Singh set for power play

India’s professional boxer Vijender Singh during a training session in Goa yesterday; (right) Russian boxer Artysh Lopsan

The number 13 may be unlucky for some, but India's star professional boxer Vijender Singh insists it will bring him good fortune when he enters the ring in search for his 13th pro win, aboard the Majestic Pride Casino Ship in Panaji, Goa on March 19.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medal-winner has been out of the ring for over a year due to the Coronavirus-forced break (his last fight was in November 2019 against Ghana's former Commonwealth Champion Charles Adamu in Dubai). But Vijender intends to be back with a bang against Russian Artysh Lopsan in a Super Middleweight (76 kg) fight.

Long wait is over

"It has been over a year and due to COVID-19 it was not possible for me to train with my foreign coaches due to the quarantine restrictions but that has not dampened my spirit. In fact, I'm more than eager to get on with it as it will also indicate that the pro boxing world is heading back to normalcy," Vijender told mid-day from Goa on Monday.

Interestingly, India's 2009 World Championships bronze winner and 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games gold medallist does not know much about his Russian opponent. "I don't know what he has done but I know what I have done and I have achieved a lot more than him," said Vijender, 35.

Lopsan, 26, is six foot four inches, a good four inches taller than the Indian, but his achievements aren't as tall, considering he has won just four of his six fights till date besides losing one and drawing one. The height factor though could trouble the Indian. "He is taller than me so that's a unique challenge as I'm not used to facing opponents, who are bigger than me. But boxing is all about landing that power punch and I don't think he has a lot of power. I believe my punches are bigger," said Vijender.

Speaking of his strategy, the Bhiwani boxer said that he will adopt the same wait and watch mantra that has brought him success over the years. "It's an eight-rounder, so I will watch him, size him up in the initial two or three rounds before going in for the big punches. I have no doubt that I can knock him out," concluded Vijender.

No fans allowed

As there are no spectators allowed due to the COVID-19 situation, the fight will be a pay per view event and may be subscribed via BookMyShow.