NEW DELHI: India’s boxing superstar Vijender Singh’s much-awaited return to the ring will be against Russian boxer Artysh Lopsan, promoters IOS Boxing Promotions announced on Friday during a press conference.
The first-of-its-kind fight in India will be held on the rooftop deck of the Majestic Pride Casino Ship in Goa on March 19. 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. Vijender, on the other hand, is unbeaten throughout his professional boxing career, carrying a record of 12-0 that includes eight knockouts. The Olympic bronze medallist defeated Ghana’s former Commonwealth Champion Charles Adamu in Dubai to claim his 12th successive win in November 2019.
Vijender headlines the main event for the night while fans will also witness six other undercard fights bearing 12 top Indian fighters. The show will be held for three hours.
Speaking to the reporters, Vijender seemed confident about the fight and expects a tough one against his Russian opponent. He said, “It’s going to be a good fight. I was eagerly waiting for this for more than a year. I watched Lopsan’s videos and he’s a good fighter. But I’m ready to knock him out like I did to my 8 previous opponents. I am ready to finish the fight in the early rounds and it would be a spectacle to do it in front of my people in Goa.”
On the other hand, Lopsan also looks assured to end Vijender’s unbeaten streak, “Vijender is a good fighter but I’m here to end his unbeaten streak. I’m ready and it’s going to be a great fight in Goa. What better way to end his streak than knocking him down in front of his audience. I’ve trained hard for this fight and I’m rearing to go”, he said.