Press Trust of India
New Delhi, July 18: Vijender Singh has had to unlearn a few tactics from his amateur days in his unbeaten journey to the WBO Asia Pacific title, reveals the Indian boxing star’s renowned British trainer Lee Beard who makes it hard for him in the gym to make him more spiteful and angry in the ring.
Beard, who has worked with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Sr besides being the assistant trainer to former World Champion Ricky Hatton, detailed Vijender’s rise to the WBO title that was won amid frenzied fans here Saturday.
“All his amateur experience has been a huge help for him because he has won on some very big occasions like Olympics, World Championships. He was smart and skillful even before he came to me. I have only added to his game,” Beard said.
“I have tried to make him punch harder and harder and use his jab more. The main thing he has unlearnt is the footwork from amateur days with regards to running around the ring. It’s no good for a 10-round bout,” he added.
Beard, who fondly calls Vijender just V, said another aspect of the Indian’s game he has tried to improve is his defence. “He is more fluent now, there is bit more rhythm. Now when you see him in the ring, it is not easy to connect to him because he is walking, turning, his defensive jab has improved a lot.”
“When I first saw him, I looked into his eyes and I saw a fire. Whatever he seems to focus on, he gets it. Of all the fighters I have trained, he is one of the best when it comes to learning, he is an extremely quick learner,” he added.
Amir warns Vijju
New Delhi: “Be careful what you
wish for kid”, was British boxing
star Amir Khan’s response to Vijender Singh and his promoters’ proposal
of a possible showdown with the Indian in the coming few months. “Congratulations to @boxervijender on the win. Careful what you wish for kid!,” tweeted Khan, a former Olympic silver-medallist and WBA lightweight World Champion.