Vijender: Royer will have no reply to my knockout power

Indian boxing ace Vijender Singh goes into battle against Frenchman Matiouze Royer in his fifth bout as a professional at the Copper Box Arena on April 30. Vijender spoke highly of his more experienced opponent but remained upbeat about his chances, saying Royer won’t have a reply to his KO punch.

Vijender, who has boxed at the Copper Box Arena in London before, has some sweet memories of the arena. “I thoroughly enjoyed fighting in Stratford as an amateur. The Copper Box Arena is an amazing venue to fight at and I’m really looking forward to returning and putting on another explosive performance for my fans in England and India,” Vijender was quoted as saying by IANS.

Vijender who has won his first four bouts as a professional—all via knockout—will face the toughest challenge of his young professional career on Saturday. Royer, who is a veteran with 7 years of experience and only 2 losses in a 44-bout long career, will be a daunting challenge for the Indian. He will have to be at his very best, if he hopes to continue his unbeaten streak.

“Saturday night is going to be tough, Royer has 250 gruelling rounds under his belt compared to my nine. I know he’s capable of mixing it up and making life difficult for me but he won’t have a reply for my knockout power,” he said.

“Once I start landing on him it’ll be all over, there’s no doubt about that. I’m not going in to this fight looking for a big knockout but I’m predicting another big finish. If the opportunity comes to take him out, I’ll grab it with both hands,” said the Haryana born boxer.

A win over Royer could see Vijender face Amir Khan next, as the Bolton hero has shown his inclination to fight the Indian.