Vijender Singh Debuts In Professional Boxing In USA With A Win Against Mike Snider

Expert Indian Vijender Singh seems to be relentless. On Saturday night, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental and Asia Pacific Super middleweight champion enrolled his 11th consecutive pro-boxing bout as he handled a whirlwind of punches on American Mike Snider, sending him reeling on the ropes, before the referee ceased the fight in the fourth round at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The technical knockout (TKO) win was 33-year-old Vijender Singh's eighth knockout triumph of his heavenly, unbeaten genius boxing profession up until now. It was his maiden and memorable session in the USA.

"It was great getting back in the ring after quite a while off. It's great to be here in the USA and to get the win. It was truly energizing. I am extremely happy for my winning debut in the USA. It took me around four rounds to get back in the swing of things. I anticipated that it should take a few rounds, however, it took me four. I felt better," said Vijender Singh.

The days leading up to the Snider bout were both hectic and eventful for the handsome Vijender. Vijender unsuccessfully contested Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi on a Congress ticket. In any case, before the result was proclaimed, he became a dad for a second time, with spouse Archana, whom he married in 2011, giving birth to a baby boy. Their first son, Abir, was born in 2013.

Mike Snider admitted he underestimated Vijender. "Vijender is a good fighter and believe I underestimated his experience and technique. It was his day and he had won. I had never believed that I would lose in early rounds from him," he yielded after the defeat.

Trainer Lee Beard sang paeans of Vijender. "I am happy that after a long gap Vijender is at last back in a good physique and action in the ring. His devotion and commitment helped him to enlist debut victory in the USA. We now look forward to having bigger plans for him,” he said.

Vijender had turned professional in 2015, having prior become the first ever Indian to win an Olympic medal in boxing at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He defeated Carlos Góngora of Ecuador 9-4 in the quarter-finals to secure a bronze medal in middleweight. The following year, he won middleweight bronze at the World Championship in Milan. In 2010, he thundered more intense and won the Guangzhou Asian Games gold in the same weight category – the apex of his novice career.

Vijender was presented the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the most astounding games award of India, and Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour of the country.

Also Read: Indian Boxer Vijender Singh Returns, To Take On Mike Snider