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India's boxer Vijender Singh celebrates after defeating Australia's boxer Kerry Hope for the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title in New Delhi on 16 July - AFP
AFP (New Delhi): Indian boxing star Vijender Singh was crowned the WBO Asia-Pacific Super Middleweight champion on Saturday (Jul 16) after edging out Australia’s Kerry Hope by a unanimous decision in the country’s maiden professional fight in New Delhi.
Singh, who became the first Indian to win a boxing medal by taking home bronze from the 2008 Olympics, kept his undefeated record alive in his seventh bout since turning pro last year.
Hailing from the next-door state of Haryana, the 30-year-old did not disappoint in front of a packed house at Delhi’s Thyagaraj stadium which erupted with joy after the tenth and final round.
Singh, who has won all his previous fights via knockout or TKO, scored 98-92, 98-92, 100-90 against the former WBC European champion.
The 34-year-old Hope, who had a 23-7 record heading into the bout, leaned on his 12 years of professional experience to stay in the fight against the newcomer. But Singh appeared unstoppable.
Singh was looking to land a knockout punch from the opening bell but Hope’s aggressive approach kept his tactics in check.
Singh relied on right hooks, taking advantage of his six-foot frame and wider reach than his Welsh-born Australian opponent, who stood at 5 feet 10 inches.
“It’s not about myself, it’s about my nation, my country,” Singh said after being crowned winner.
The local hero had a host of top athletes, celebrities and politicos outside the ring to celebrate his maiden pro title.
‘Singh is king’
Singh’s British trainer Lee Beard lifted the champion up after the final bell to celebrate the victory before the three judges delivered their final decision.
“This comes after a lot of hard work put in by me, my trainer, my team. I thank my coach, my promoter and my team who have done a fantastic job. I also thank all the fans, the celebrities and sportspersons who have come to watch my bout today,” Singh said.
The bout also marked Singh’s return to Delhi since winning a medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the capital.
“I loved the atmosphere ... I could hear people chanting my name and ‘Singh is king’,” the pugilist told reporters after the fight. “This is a happy homecoming for me.”
Singh went on to call Saturday’s win a “great achievement” as it took him into the top-15 of the WBO rankings and will pave his way for a tilt at the world title.
