Lopson, 26, had said on the eve of the fight that he would become a big name in the world of pro boxing 24 hours later and he proved it
Vijender Singh (right) and Russia’s Artysh Lopsan during the weigh-in at Panaji
India boxer Vijender Singh’s unbeaten professional run was ended by Russian Artysh Lopson atop the Majestic Pride Casino ship here last night.
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Lopson, 26, had said on the eve of the fight that he would become a big name in the world of pro boxing 24 hours later and he proved it by delivering some severe blows, leaving Vijender, 35, bleeding from his nose and down on his knees midway through Round 5 of the eight-round contest.
Vijender began the fight cautiously with obviously a bigger reputation to defend against a comparatively lesser experienced opponent, who was just six pro fights old.
The comparatively taller Artysh however, started aggressively and landed some hard right hands across the Indian’s face even as the crowd, who was seconds ago chanting “Viju, Viju,” suddenly went silent.
In the second round however, the 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist came back strongly and landed a couple of combination punches that hurt the Russian. The crowd once again began chanting Vijender’s name and a big right hook from the Indian rattled Lopsan further.
Carrying on his success from the second round, Vijender went in for the kill in Round 3, but it backfired as the Indian spent a bit too much energy in the effort while Lopsan simply waited back and defended. Round 4 was where Vijender’s downfall began. A swift combination by Lopsan opened a cut across Vijender’s face and brought him down to his knees. The referee had to step in and gave Vijender a standing count. Vijender survived but the bleeding intensified and the referee had to treat it before allowing the fight to continue.
Round 5 was the final nail in the coffin for Vijender. Lopsan stepped in and caught Vijender’s face again with some relentless jabbing. An exhausted Vijender fell to his knees and shook his head in dejection, indicating he can’t continue. IOS Boxing Promotions boss and fight promoter Neerav Tomar, who by now had reached Vijender’s corner fearing the worst, threw his arm around the Indian, suggesting it was all over. “I just couldn’t continue… it happens,” said a disappointed Vijender to Tomar, who replied with a reassuring, “Never mind, we will come back harder.”
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