Vijender Singh beats Kerry Hope to lift the title
Indian boxer Vijender Singh beat the World Boxing Council (WBC) European Champion, Kerry Hope, to clinch the World Boxing Organisation's (WBO) Asia-Pacific Super Middleweight title. Although Kerry Hope was more attacking of the two, Vijender systematically demolished Hope using all 10 rounds, beating the Welsh-born Australian 98-92, 98-92, and 100-90. Vijender climbed to 15th in his category in world rankings with this win.
Vijender Singh's start as a boxer
Born in Haryana on 29th October, 1985, Vijender Singh showed promise as a boxer from early on in his life. Practising at the Bhiwani Boxing Club from an early age, his talent was recognized by coach Jagdish Singh who encouraged him to take up boxing. Vijender was then trained by Indian Boxing Coach Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu and won several medals at the national level.
Vijender represents India at the amateur level
Vijender Singh's national success saw him being selected to represent India at the amateur level in the middleweight category in men's boxing. Vijender became the first Indian to win an Olympic medal when he beat Carlos Gongora in the 2008 Beijing Olympics to clinch a Bronze medal. Vijender won several other medals, winning a Gold medal in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.
Vijender Singh awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award
In 2009, Vijender Singh, along with Mary Kom and Sushil Kumar, was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the highest sporting honour of India. Vijender and Mary Kom became the first boxers to receive the award.
Vijender turns professional
In June 2015, Vijender turned professional when he signed a multi-year contract with Queensberry Promotions through IOS Sports and Entertainment. Although it has only been a year, Vijender's professional record is stellar, as he has never been beaten. Counting the win over Kerry Hope, Vijender has 7 professional wins, of which 6 have been knockouts, earning him the informal title of "Knockout King".
First Indian professional boxer
Vijender Singh's decision to go professional was a historic moment for India as he became the first Indian boxer to have turned professional.
