Olympic bronze-medallist boxer and India’s superstar in professional boxing Vijender Singh will take on Russian boxer Artysh Lopsan on Friday in the first of its kind Las Vegas-style boxing event in India on Majestic Pride casino ship in Panaji. Both the boxers faced off on the eve of the event.
Vijender, 35, is unbeaten throughout his professional boxing career, carrying a record of 12-0 that includes eight knockouts. Speaking to the reporters after the face-off, Vijender said: “I have a strategy for my tall opponent. I have been working hard in the guidance of trainer Jai Bhagawan. It’s been hard in Covid-19 times but we have been working for more than two months… I don’t feel pressure of expectations as such. It’s boxing and I know I have to give my best.”
Lopsan, 26, has a decent record in his young career as a professional boxer. In six bouts, the Russian has defeated four, including two knockouts, while registering one defeat and one draw. On the other hand, Lopsan also looks well prepared to end Vijender’s unbeaten streak as he said, “ I’ve trained hard for this fight and I’m raring to go.”
Neerav Tomar, promoter, IOS Boxing Promotions, said, “It is going to be a big fight in Goa. I’m expecting a really good fight between the two and fans will be able to witness something incredible.
The fight night begins with a bantamweight bout between Mohammed Shamim and Goa’s Pralhad Panda, followed by Mathiyalagan Dhiravidamani versus Goa’s Umesh Chavan in the super flyweight division. The third fight features Ramandeep Kaur against Rinky Inder Kishore in light flyweight category and the fourth fight is between Ashish Ahlawat and Dharmender Grewal (cruiserweight).
Sabari J is pitted against Amey Nitin in the lightweight category bout while Mahesh Digari will be up against Kuldeep Dhanda in super lightweight category. Seasoned Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat versus Sandeep Kumar (Super Welterweight) will be the co-main event for the night followed by Vijender’s much-awaited return to the ring after over a year’s gap.
Asia’s biggest arm-wrestling event, i.e the Pro Panja League, will also be an added attraction on the occasion.
