Split Between A Cross And A Jab

Vijender corners pro-boxing glamour in India, as a fractured field prepares for a surge in interest

- Qaiser Mohammad Ali

SEE him strut around on television, with his now-trademark pose of gloved arms framing his face. Vijender Singh’s punches tell a tale—the Olympic bronze medallist has won all nine bouts that he has fought as a proboxer in a little over a year. His latest victory, over Chinese No. 1 Zulpikar Maimaitiali this month, fetched him both the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middle weight and the WBO Oriental Super Middleweight belts. There was, however, a not-so-encouraging side to ‘Battleground Asia’ on August 5, the day Vijender won his 10-round double title fight in Mumbai. Six other Indians—including pro-boxing debutants and 2008 Olympic quarter-finalists Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar— also won their bouts. But all the hype was only around Vijender.

A partisan media reported in glowing terms 31-year-old Vijender’s well-deserved triumph, and largely ignored the other winners—they are perhaps not deemed marketable. The handsome Vijender continues to be the most sought after Indian boxer, while the others play second fiddle, despite performing ext remely well at the amateur level—and even in the pro arena. A good example is 26-year-old Neeraj Goyat, who made his pro debut in 2011—four years before Vijender—and has fought 13 bouts so far, registering nine wins, including the successful defence of his WBC Asia Welterweight belt on August 5. But not many outside the boxing circuit know of his achievements. Even Akhil Kumar ( junior weltereight), Jitender Kumar (lightweight), Kuldeep Dhanda (lightweight), Pardeep Kharera (welterweight), and Dharmender Grewal (cruiserweight) won their non-title bouts on the same day as Virender’s big game, but were just ignored.