I’m eagerly waiting to knockout Kerry early: Vijender Singh

TIL Desk Sports/ Indian boxing sensation Vijender Singh today said he is doing high intensity training ahead of his much-awaited title fight at home and hopes to “knockout” Australian Kerry Hope early for the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight Championship crown here on July 16.

Undefeated in his six fights so far, Vijender is currently training hard in Manchester under globally acclaimed trainer Lee Beard. “With less than three weeks to go for my maiden title fight, am really excited to compete in front of my home crowd. Competing in front of my own people will be a very big moment for me and I don’t want to lose this chance,” the 30-year-old, who will face Kerry at Thyagaraj Sports Complex here, said.

“I have started high intensity training two weeks ago to compete in the first 10 rounder fight for Asia Pacific title and working hard to win this. I have seen videos of Kerry, he is a good opponent but I am training really hard to be ready for what my opponent has.” His rival Kerry Hope, a former European champion, has openly challenged Vijender before this title fight, terming the Indian as an amateur and not in his league.