MUMBAI: Pro-boxing champion Vijender Singh will be facing the former world champion Francis Cheka in his toughest-ever professional fight. The Olympic bronze medallist will be fighting the Tanzanian to defend his WBO Asia-Pacific Super Middleweight title which he won after defeating Kerry Hope in July 2016.
The event, which has had its share of problems due to demonetisation, will be telecast on Star Sports Network.
Although struggling owing to demonetisation, the promoter of the fight -- IOS Group managing director and chief executive officer Neerav Tomar said that they have been able to garner enough support and sponsorships for the fight. “We have around 8-10 sponsors and we are talking to a few more. Despite the crisis, there has been very good response,” Tomar added. Casio is one of the major sponsors on board for the bout, and Poker India is the official gaming partner for the event, highly-placed sources told Indiantelevision.com
Tomar also informed that they’re set to open a pro-boxing school and have zeroed in on 30-odd wrestlers. “16 July will be the day for which boxing fans of our country are waiting for. I am sure this event will be a big boost for Indian boxing and will open roads for other boxers who are keen to turn professional,” he remarked.
The former national squash player also said Delhi would get a refreshing taste of a high-adrenalin boxing show on Saturday.
The fight is scheduled to take place on Thyagraj Sports Complex, New Delhi, starting at 7pm. It will be broadcast on Star Sports 1/1HD and the live tickets can be booked on www.bookmyshow.com, prices ranging from Rs 1000 – Rs 12000. The fight has created a lot of excitement amongst viewers in recent times, with Francis Cheka verbally attacking the Olympic champion at every given opportunity.
Cheka has gone on record saying India would be put to shame in the match as he was going to show why he’s been the world and intercontinental champion. Vijender has been calm and composed, his usual self, saying he’ll show Cheka who is better, in the ring.
Vijender also gave a thumps-up to demonetisation, saying it was a knock-down punch on corruption. The Olympic bronze medallist said that the move was sure to have long-term benefits. The Indian boxer is on an unbeaten 7-0 spree, and will be more than happy to prove his critics wrong eighth time running.
