I have to win for future of pro boxing in India, says Vijender Singh on his maiden title bout

The Olympic bronze medallist, who turned pro last year, has been unbeaten in six bouts so far, winning all of them via knockouts. Hope though, has the experience of 30 bouts, out of which he has won 23, with two of them being knockouts. The Welsh-born Hope, who emigrated to Australia, was a WBC middleweight champion. He had moved a division to super middleweight to take on the Indian. The former European champion had said that he will defeat Vijender in front of his own fans, but Vijender Singh believes that there is no pressure on him to win the bout.

“Of course, I will have to give (my) 100 percent, I have to win the fight, that’s (an) important part, but there is no pressure, (only) responsibility is there, fulfil it and take the title,” said the 30-year-old.

“He is a southpaw (left-hander) and I know him and he is a very experienced guy. I spoke to (my) coach. We will take him, it’s not that difficult, don’t worry.

“I don’t want to say anything before the fight, pass any comment or any bad thing about him, like I am going to destroy him,” said the Olympic bronze medal winner.

Vijender also confirmed that he will travel to Rio for the Olympics to support the Indian boxers.

“I will go to the Rio Olympics (to support other Indian boxers), after this fight. I will go and just watch the fight in Rio,” Vijender told PTI.