Kolkata: Indian boxer Vijender Singh Tuesday said his much-awaited fight for the Commonwealth super middleweight title could be held in September after being cancelled earlier this month, but his opponent is yet to be finalised. “Perhaps it will be in September, the Commonwealth committee will decide the opponent,” Vijender said at a promotional event here.
The 32-year-old, who is now fourth in the latest WBO rankings for the super middleweight category, was to fight for the Commonwealth title July 13 against Lee Makhram but the fight was cancelled after the British boxer pulled out citing injury.
However, Vijender feels that the boxers who think that they can match the level of pro boxing should try it. “Not all the boxers go to the Olympics and the Asian Games. Those who feel they can do well at pro level should come,” Vijender, who holds the WBO Oriental and Asia Pacific titles said.
Meanwhile, Vijender heaped praise for young Hima Das of Assam who became the first track athlete to win a medal in a global event. Hima won a historic 400m gold in the U-20 World Championships in Finland. He also added the 18-year-old track sensation needs all the help that she can get in her career at this stage.
“What a finish, she looks really promising to me. But I have heard that she hails from a very poor family. People are only talking about her show. Instead of the big talks, she should be funded well and looked after well to ensure that she stays focused,” said India’s first Olympic medallist in boxing.
The versatile boxer, who has dabbled in acting and modelling too, said he has realised that his sport is what makes him truly happy. “I have realised that I don’t know anything other than boxing. I have tried my hands in various things like doing a movie, a TV reality show but I get bored very easily,” Vijender added.
