Vijender Singh hints at showdown with Amir Khan in India after clinching WBO Asia Pacific title

[Chromeuser]

Vijender Singh clinched his seventh straight win and the WBO Asia Pacific title by outlasting former WBC European champion Kerry Hope in a 10-round contest

New Delhi: Elated and exhausted in equal measure after being crowned the WBO Asia Pacific champion, Indian boxing star Vijender Singh said he will savour the triumph for a while before looking at the possibility of a showdown with Pakistan-origin British boxer Amir Khan, who is keen for a face-off with him.

The 30-year-old Indian pugilist clinched his seventh straight win and the Super Middleweight title by outlasting former WBC European champion Kerry Hope in a 10-round contest, cheered vociferously by delirious home fans last night.

The victory propelled him to the 15th spot in the WBO rankings and he will have to defend his title in the next two months.

Dedicating the triumph to the late Muhammad Ali, Vijender got just a few moments to celebrate with his team before being asked "what next"?

"I want to take some rest, may be for a month or so and we will see after that," was his initial response.

But with no end to questions on his future in the post-bout press conference, the star finally listed his options.

"My world ranking will be in the top 15. I will get harder fights now but I am ready for it. I will work with my coaches and my team and we will go for it.

"Mine and Amir's weight categories are different. So, in case he increases his weight or I decrease mine then we can work it out. We are thinking about it, so let's see. I hope that when that big fight happens, it happens in India only," said Vijender, thanking the fans several times during the presser for packing the 5,000-capacity Thyagaraj Stadium on Saturday night.

Amir, a former WBA world champion, is primarily a lightweight boxer, who recently tried himself in the middleweight by taking on world champion Saul Canelo Alvarez. However, it ended in disaster for him when he was knocked out in the sixth round.

Amir had expressed a desire to take on Vijender in India before the showdown with Alvarez but it remains to be seen whether he would give it a shot now after moving back to his original weight category.

"In the long term, we will keep an eye on Amir Khan as well. That fight over here will be phenomenal, it will be a massive fight. We have tentatively talked with Amir's team, I know they want it, I know Vijender wants it," said Vijender's British promoter Francis Warren of the Queensberry Promotions

http://sports.ndtv.com/boxing/news/...a-after-clinching-title?pfrom=home-topstories

 

[Chromeuser]

Earlier Amir Khan said he would want to fight Vijender Singh in India soon. http://indianexpress.com/article/sp...jender-singh-in-india-soon-amir-khan-2769589/ If it happens then it will be a good contest like Indian Pakistan cricket match

 

[MSaad1237]

Vijender vs Amir talks are hilarious.


Vijender is a 168 pounder and Khan a 147 lber .

 

[JaDed]

Vijender vs Amir talks are hilarious.


Vijender is a 168 pounder and Khan a 147 lber .

Hasn't Amir moved up a category?

 

[JaDed]

Hasn't Amir moved up a category?

My bad,Amir has moved back to his category not happening!

 

[Belawal2014]

Hasn't Amir moved up a category?

He went up to 155 and got smashed. He'll get smashed even more if he moves up to 168. Weight classes are there for a reason. They need to be respected.

 

[JaDed]

He went up to 155 and got smashed. He'll get smashed even more if he moves up to 168. Weight classes are there for a reason. They need to be respected.

Yeah bro apparently moved back to the category as well.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Amir is a welterweight while Vijender a Super MiddleWeight(Originally Middle weight) so this bout isnt happening.

Moving weight catagories isnt easy unless your name is Manny Pacquiao

 

[Belawal2014]

Amir is a welterweight while Vijender a Super MiddleWeight(Originally Middle weight) so this bout isnt happening.

Moving weight catagories isnt easy unless your name is Manny Pacquiao

More of a PR stunt tbh.

 

[big_gamer007]

That fight if it happens would be the biggest money spinner in history of Sub continent boxing.. But the weight difference is too much.. Maybe in future when both stars at end of their career and about to retire they can do a friendly cum showcase fight for the money it will generate..

 

[Zak_Fan]

I can see both doing an exhibition match. Amir wants to see boxing grow in the subcontinent, and his presence in any way will surely be a big boost for the sport in India.

 

[Lords]

Amir is a welterweight while Vijender a Super MiddleWeight(Originally Middle weight) so this bout isnt happening.

Moving weight catagories isnt easy unless your name is Manny Pacquiao

Or sultan, he can win in double weight category

 

[Chromeuser]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/boxervijender">@boxervijender</a> on the win. Careful what you wish for kid! <a href="https://t.co/HUwvjMeQCL">https://t.co/HUwvjMeQCL</a></p>— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/amirkingkhan/status/755002155497578496">July 18, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> http://sports.ndtv.com/boxing/news/...amir-khan-to-vijender-singh?pfrom=home-sports

 

[big_gamer007]

Or sultan, he can win in double weight category

Hahahaha right.. though technically he was a wrestler not a boxer

 

[street cricketer]

Funny I always thought Amir must be weighing more..

 

[Lords]

Funny I always thought Amir must be weighing more..

I did too, may be he is shorter than Vijender hence lesser weight.

On topic, Amir is a higher ranked boxer, i doubt he will fight Vijender anyways unless a lot of money is involved

 

[KingKhanWC]

Amir Khan "‘Nobody in India will ever beat me.’"

True say Amir

 

[Pakistanian]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/boxervijender">@boxervijender</a> on the win. Careful what you wish for kid! <a href="https://t.co/HUwvjMeQCL">https://t.co/HUwvjMeQCL</a></p>— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/amirkingkhan/status/755002155497578496">July 18, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> http://sports.ndtv.com/boxing/news/...amir-khan-to-vijender-singh?pfrom=home-sports

Lol @ "kid", vijender's a year older than him

 

[shaz619]

Lol @ "kid", vijender's a year older than him

Jindo is a bloody kid in boxing terms, Khan is a grand master of his craft; hence why he was called a kid. Damn you Americans are super slow

 

[Pakistanian]

Jindo is a bloody kid in boxing terms, Khan is a grand master of his craft; hence why he was called a kid. Damn you Americans are super slow

fight me in the octagon

 

[shaz619]

Amir Khan "‘Nobody in India will ever beat me.’"

True say Amir

I don't believe any Indian can ever beat a Pakistani in Professional Boxing, you could have a Pakistani featherweight vs an Indian heavyweight and it wouldn't matter. This is why Amir was more then happy to take on a guy who is 3 weight classes above him and 5 if you look at how Amir started his career as a 130 pounder. Well said Amir.

 

[shaz619]

fight me in the octagon

Give me location location! anytime anyplace I will be there

 

[Swashbuckler]

Jindo is a bloody kid in boxing terms, Khan is a grand master of his craft; hence why he was called a kid. Damn you Americans are super slow

Vijender is an Olympic bronze medalist, how is he a 'bloody kid' in boxing terms? I am not an expert on boxing, just wanted to know why you think so.

 

[shaz619]

Vijender is an Olympic bronze medalist, how is he a 'bloody kid' in boxing terms? I am not an expert on boxing, just wanted to know why you think so.

Amateur Boxing and Pro Boxing are two different sports, Amateur Boxing rules were as follows during his medal win, just 3 rounds which last 3 minutes each; you also had to put a vest on and head gear, you win rounds based on a points scoring system in terms of blows landed which could even be on the arms / elbows meaning that they don't have to be clean punches, this negates the level of damage you need to cause in order to win. He deserves credit however for his medal win but he has to be the first Olympic boxer who decided to go straight to bollywood in 2008, it shows weakness and a lack of heart; but he tried to make up for that by returning to the sport and has so far beaten journeyman, making the transition from the amateur to pro level is not easy at all and he has made the switch a bit late.

So yeah he is a kid in boxing terms at the pro level. Joe Joyce also after an Olympic win turned pro and came into this game a little late but his attitude has been in contrast to Singh's, he has taken on some top 10-20 domestic fighters to fast track his development and jumped into the pro game right after the amateur success which also shows you how serious he is in order to improve the likelihood of success. Singh so far has just been padding his record with journeyman to make a quick buck after the failed bollywood career.

 

[shaz619]

I really don't understand how serious Vijender is [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] when you look at his resume it is god awful even after 10 fights, he needs some tests and stay active as a fighter to fast track his development being around 32. Calling him a kid is not disrespectful at all, Amir is not just one of the greatest amateur lightweights of all time his pro career is hall of fame worthy and he has accomplished all of this despite being a year younger then Singh. If I was Vijender I'd be looking to face someone like an Abraham who is not world class anymore but give him a decent test and then jump in with the likes of Quillin, Ryder and Dirrell before facing top 10 world level opposition at super middle weight; take your career damn seriously

 

[Swashbuckler]

Amateur Boxing and Pro Boxing are two different sports, Amateur Boxing rules were as follows during his medal win, just 3 rounds which last 3 minutes each; you also had to put a vest on and head gear, you win rounds based on a points scoring system in terms of blows landed which could even be on the arms / elbows meaning that they don't have to be clean punches, this negates the level of damage you need to cause in order to win. He deserves credit however for his medal win but he has to be the first Olympic boxer who decided to go straight to bollywood in 2008, it shows weakness and a lack of heart; but he tried to make up for that by returning to the sport and has so far beaten journeyman, making the transition from the amateur to pro level is not easy at all and he has made the switch a bit late.

So yeah he is a kid in boxing terms at the pro level. Joe Joyce also after an Olympic win turned pro and came into this game a little late but his attitude has been in contrast to Singh's, he has taken on some top 10-20 domestic fighters to fast track his development and jumped into the pro game right after the amateur success which also shows you how serious he is in order to improve the likelihood of success. Singh so far has just been padding his record with journeyman to make a quick buck after the failed bollywood career.

Thank you for your patient and detailed reply.

Vijender apparently did a Bollywood movie in 2014, his sole venture in the movie industry. Post the Bejing bronze, till 2014 he did win medals in World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games etc all in amateur competitions. As you said he turned pro quite late (2015-16) and maybe it was an afterthought.

But I don't think one should label it as weakness or lack of heart, the professional boxing culture in India is practically non existent. For an Indian boxer getting fame/recognition means getting medals for India in global competitions like Olympics, Asian Games, CWG etc. Also cash rewards and government jobs in such instances are life changers for these young sportsmen. Only in the last 5 years have some (very few) Indian boxers migrated to pro boxing, Vijender is perhaps the 1st high profile name. It takes years to develop the platform for any country in the global stage. Imran Khan didn't come overnight, there was a long process starting from AH Kardar. Gavaskar emerged decades after Vijay Merchant and Sangakkara 30 years after Wettimunny. While the predecessors didn't emphatically leave their mark on the game (at least statistically) they laid the platform for future champions.

Vijender has set the ball rolling and even if he doesn't get great success he will inspire more kids to follow his path in the future. At least now there is some exposure for Indians to the world of professional boxing. Can't compare us with athletes from USA, Britain, Russia where pro boxing has been around for decades. Vijender is a trendsetter in this discipline and someone who can channelize the energy of Indian sponsors, trainers, media and spectators thus making life easier for future Vijenders. Once enough people participate and the critical mass is breached India can do much better on the world stage.

Maybe a Vijender Singh born in London would have turned out different like Amir Khan. As I notice Pakistan based boxers too haven't set the pro stage on fire but someone like Amir Khan with his British background was able to make the transition successfully.

 

[Sidilicious]

Amateur Boxing and Pro Boxing are two different sports, Amateur Boxing rules were as follows during his medal win, just 3 rounds which last 3 minutes each; you also had to put a vest on and head gear, you win rounds based on a points scoring system in terms of blows landed which could even be on the arms / elbows meaning that they don't have to be clean punches, this negates the level of damage you need to cause in order to win. He deserves credit however for his medal win but he has to be the first Olympic boxer who decided to go straight to bollywood in 2008, it shows weakness and a lack of heart; but he tried to make up for that by returning to the sport and has so far beaten journeyman, making the transition from the amateur to pro level is not easy at all and he has made the switch a bit late.

So yeah he is a kid in boxing terms at the pro level. Joe Joyce also after an Olympic win turned pro and came into this game a little late but his attitude has been in contrast to Singh's, he has taken on some top 10-20 domestic fighters to fast track his development and jumped into the pro game right after the amateur success which also shows you how serious he is in order to improve the likelihood of success. Singh so far has just been padding his record with journeyman to make a quick buck after the failed bollywood career.

Fair assessment. Agreed that he is no where near Amir Khan as a boxer. Also, its quite obvious that he doesnt seem to be taking on tougher opponents despite having being the professional circle for 10 fights now.

Though, I will add a couple of points to balance the argument

Firstly, up until 2013, there was no professional boxing culture in India. It was all about amateur boxing and winning medals in Olympic/Asian/Commonwealth. The funding from the Indian govt and recognition also happens only for these games. Even people didnt really care for Professional boxing. Thats why, VJ actually went to another olympics instead of turning professional in 2008. Him or his advisors didnt know any better.
It wasnt until around 2012 when he got introduced to Frank Warren that he chose going professional.


Secondly, Amir Khan in the end is British. He and other British-Pakistani boxers are what they are due to the support of the British Boxing. Pakistan has a very similar culture to India in terms of Professional circuit. You can see whats happened to Muhammad Waseem. In terms of amateur boxing, Pakistan was ahead in the 70s and 80s, but India is now ahead. This is obvious in the results.

Thirdly, VJ, even though may not be extremely successful in professional circles, might just start a culture of Professional boxing in India. Even if he fights under par opponents, he will get the money and fame which will encourage young amateur boxers to turn professional after some success at the amateur level.

 

[Madplayer]

Fair assessment. Agreed that he is no where near Amir Khan as a boxer. Also, its quite obvious that he doesnt seem to be taking on tougher opponents despite having being the professional circle for 10 fights now.

Though, I will add a couple of points to balance the argument

Firstly, up until 2013, there was no professional boxing culture in India. It was all about amateur boxing and winning medals in Olympic/Asian/Commonwealth. The funding from the Indian govt and recognition also happens only for these games. Even people didnt really care for Professional boxing. Thats why, VJ actually went to another olympics instead of turning professional in 2008. Him or his advisors didnt know any better.
It wasnt until around 2012 when he got introduced to Frank Warren that he chose going professional.


Secondly, Amir Khan in the end is British. He and other British-Pakistani boxers are what they are due to the support of the British Boxing. Pakistan has a very similar culture to India in terms of Professional circuit. You can see whats happened to Muhammad Waseem. In terms of amateur boxing, Pakistan was ahead in the 70s and 80s, but India is now ahead. This is obvious in the results.

Thirdly, VJ, even though may not be extremely successful in professional circles, might just start a culture of Professional boxing in India. Even if he fights under par opponents, he will get the money and fame which will encourage young amateur boxers to turn professional after some success at the amateur level.

I dont wanna sound like a wannabe expert here because i really dont know the technicalities of boxing but having seen vijender singh box, i am confused why people think he is no match for Amir khan. I think he can beat Khan to be honest. Ofcourse, being a person who hardly watches a boxing match once in a couple of years, i might have got it totally wrong.

 

[Swashbuckler]

I dont wanna sound like a wannabe expert here because i really dont know the technicalities of boxing but having seen vijender singh box, i am confused why people think he is no match for Amir khan. I think he can beat Khan to be honest. Ofcourse, being a person who hardly watches a boxing match once in a couple of years, i might have got it totally wrong.

Even I am not a boxing expert but I don't think these 2 will ever fight because of vastly different weight categories. Unlike sports like cricket, football, tennis, athletics, swimming etc, combat sports have weight categories. Amir Khan is a much better boxer in his weight class than what Vijender is in his weight. Of course even a featherweight GOAT will be out of his depth against a mediocre middleweight fighter because of physical (muscle mass/size/reach/power) difference, doesn't mean he is any less. That is why in MMA, boxing (maybe even wrestling) they have pound for pound ranking to decide the rankings of the fighters relative to their weight.

In MMA pound for pound rankings some lower weight women have been in the top 15 (Cyborg, Ronda, Namajunas), much above some elite heavyweight men, now obviously they won't compete directly.

 

[Sidilicious]

I dont wanna sound like a wannabe expert here because i really dont know the technicalities of boxing but having seen vijender singh box, i am confused why people think he is no match for Amir khan. I think he can beat Khan to be honest. Ofcourse, being a person who hardly watches a boxing match once in a couple of years, i might have got it totally wrong.

Well, I am not a technical expert, but just an enthusiastic follower.

From what I understand, firstly, Vijender is unproven in the professional circle. It seems like he is going for easy opponents, when he could be going for more difficult ones. He has been in the circuit for 3 years, and has only taken on unknown names. After 2 years, Khan was taking on some well known opponents. Where Vijender stands, he should have at least 1 match every quarter. Doesnt seem to be the case.

Vijender is 1 year older than Amir, but Amir has been in the game 10 years longer than Vijender. Experience obviously counts.

Amir is ranked top 10 in his category and Vijender isn't anywhere in top 15 (though Amir one weight class below).

Additionally, there should be some technical aspects, such as Amir Khan's speed vs Vijender's defence which someone like [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION] could throw light on.

 

[shaz619]

Thank you for your patient and detailed reply.

Vijender apparently did a Bollywood movie in 2014, his sole venture in the movie industry. Post the Bejing bronze, till 2014 he did win medals in World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games etc all in amateur competitions. As you said he turned pro quite late (2015-16) and maybe it was an afterthought.

But I don't think one should label it as weakness or lack of heart, the professional boxing culture in India is practically non existent. For an Indian boxer getting fame/recognition means getting medals for India in global competitions like Olympics, Asian Games, CWG etc. Also cash rewards and government jobs in such instances are life changers for these young sportsmen. Only in the last 5 years have some (very few) Indian boxers migrated to pro boxing, Vijender is perhaps the 1st high profile name. It takes years to develop the platform for any country in the global stage. Imran Khan didn't come overnight, there was a long process starting from AH Kardar. Gavaskar emerged decades after Vijay Merchant and Sangakkara 30 years after Wettimunny. While the predecessors didn't emphatically leave their mark on the game (at least statistically) they laid the platform for future champions.

Vijender has set the ball rolling and even if he doesn't get great success he will inspire more kids to follow his path in the future. At least now there is some exposure for Indians to the world of professional boxing. Can't compare us with athletes from USA, Britain, Russia where pro boxing has been around for decades. Vijender is a trendsetter in this discipline and someone who can channelize the energy of Indian sponsors, trainers, media and spectators thus making life easier for future Vijenders. Once enough people participate and the critical mass is breached India can do much better on the world stage.

Maybe a Vijender Singh born in London would have turned out different like Amir Khan. As I notice Pakistan based boxers too haven't set the pro stage on fire but someone like Amir Khan with his British background was able to make the transition successfully.

Fair assessment. Agreed that he is no where near Amir Khan as a boxer. Also, its quite obvious that he doesnt seem to be taking on tougher opponents despite having being the professional circle for 10 fights now.

Though, I will add a couple of points to balance the argument

Firstly, up until 2013, there was no professional boxing culture in India. It was all about amateur boxing and winning medals in Olympic/Asian/Commonwealth. The funding from the Indian govt and recognition also happens only for these games. Even people didnt really care for Professional boxing. Thats why, VJ actually went to another olympics instead of turning professional in 2008. Him or his advisors didnt know any better.
It wasnt until around 2012 when he got introduced to Frank Warren that he chose going professional.


Secondly, Amir Khan in the end is British. He and other British-Pakistani boxers are what they are due to the support of the British Boxing. Pakistan has a very similar culture to India in terms of Professional circuit. You can see whats happened to Muhammad Waseem. In terms of amateur boxing, Pakistan was ahead in the 70s and 80s, but India is now ahead. This is obvious in the results.

Thirdly, VJ, even though may not be extremely successful in professional circles, might just start a culture of Professional boxing in India. Even if he fights under par opponents, he will get the money and fame which will encourage young amateur boxers to turn professional after some success at the amateur level.

No doubt about what he has done to raise the profile of Boxing in India, while there is recognition and financial reward by doing well in amateur competition; there's even more to gain on that front in the pro game, Vijender knew this but still held back which is why I question his desire and especially the journeyman he has fought so far and lack of activity. Am not looking at India in general but Vijender, he was one of the guys to break out and did enjoy support / investment along the way to unlike Hussain Shah or Mary Kom who are were much bigger trail blazers and had to overcome a great deal. So with that in mind and all the support behind him in addition to the national appeal his career at the pro level should be in a much better position.

You wont find too many Amir Khan's not just in the UK but around the world, you train 100 kids to be pro fighters and you'd be lucky if even one made it at the world level. So being in the UK doesn't necessarily guarantee success, in fact we didn't invest in Boxing prior to 2004 on the Olympic stage; check this, in 2004 Amir was the sole representative of the British Boxing Olympic team as a 17 year old, when he won an Olympic medal he captured the imagination of the nation and amateur boxing in the country benefited with increased investment which resulted in a boom period in terms of medals which were won at Olympic events and World Championships; but if you look at GB record prior to 2004 it isn't pretty. Having said that we do have a different culture when it comes to combat in general so on that front sure he'd have a better shot here then in India, but I don't think that matters in this example because he managed to break through and then stagnated. And like I mentioned previously amateur and pro level are seen as two different sports but a successful amateur career generally should make the transition a little smoother to the pro level although this not always the case and a lot comes down to the adjustments you're able to make stylistically, the hard work you put in and match making which is designed to ensure your development.

I think that Vijender is the exception, unlike like Mary Kom, Hussain Shah and Muhummad Waseem he enjoyed more support in comparison and especially after his Olympic triumph. There's no excuses for him to be content with mediocrity which is why again I question desire and this may also be due to culture, we're talking about a guy who beat Badou Jack in the Olympics so it just goes to show you the potential. In Pakistan from the POV of their fighters thus far I haven't seen evidence which would make me question desire, this is why in certain aspects there are differences in the culture when it comes to combat although this also depends on region as Manipur is similar to Lyari for example.

If you look at Waseem's career so far his biggest stumbling block has been lack of support at the amateur and pro level, you'd think that Vijender with his resources would have achieved more access but he hasn't, a lot of it comes down to desire, Waseem may not have won an Olympic medal and alot of it has been due to politics but for remains arguably the greatest amateur his country have produced so far, at one point he just decided enough is enough, Pak wont support him and he opted to turn pro on the back of an elite amateur pedigree, soon after he fought top 10-15 fighters at fliyweight claiming the silver title in just his 4th fight, now this is not something I'd expect from anyone starting out in the pro game or Vijnder but it goes to show you how serious Waseem was, he put the hard work in, seeked help from the Mayweather Gym in America and soon after he was facing Mithalane for the world title in just his 8th fight, Mithalane is no joke either and one of the greatest flyweights of the 21st century with his only high profile defeat to a top 10 P4P talent in Nonito Donaire, but Waseem held his own in a very competitive fight which could have gone either way. Unfortunately for him he didn't get the decision and with lack of sponsorship / support there's no where to go but he's someone who is capable of becoming world champion and has achieved more then Vejender who should be a top 10 super middle weight given his much better position in general.

 

[shaz619]

Well, I am not a technical expert, but just an enthusiastic follower.

From what I understand, firstly, Vijender is unproven in the professional circle. It seems like he is going for easy opponents, when he could be going for more difficult ones. He has been in the circuit for 3 years, and has only taken on unknown names. After 2 years, Khan was taking on some well known opponents. Where Vijender stands, he should have at least 1 match every quarter. Doesnt seem to be the case.

Vijender is 1 year older than Amir, but Amir has been in the game 10 years longer than Vijender. Experience obviously counts.

Amir is ranked top 10 in his category and Vijender isn't anywhere in top 15 (though Amir one weight class below).

Additionally, there should be some technical aspects, such as Amir Khan's speed vs Vijender's defence which someone like [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION] could throw light on.

The biggest advantage Singh would have would be his monumental size advantage over Amir Khan, we have weight classes for a reason this is probably the main reason why the two may never fight but money talks in Boxing and they'd really play up the Pakistan / India angle. If am honest I've not put a great deal of thought into the match up in general as I don't find it interesting but it could be a little closer then we imagine plus Khan is passed his peak at this stage in his career, he doesn't move laterally so effortlessly like in the past and is more exposed then ever defensively but he would still start as the favourite. It would be a great fight for asia I suppose because while Khan is a Brit he has a huge fan base in Pak and is always doing stuff over there and has started some leagues in India to.

Ideally though I'd prefer it if Vijender takes his pro career more seriously in terms of world level ambitions but right now it seems to me he's looking to knock over journeyman, make a few quid and get out.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

It looked like Amir was just answering a question from the journalist,I doubt he takes the challenge seriously. Although in a few years time when he's coming to the end of his career he could potentially see it as a money maker.

 

[Sidilicious]

No doubt about what he has done to raise the profile of Boxing in India, while there is recognition and financial reward by doing well in amateur competition; there's even more to gain on that front in the pro game, Vijender knew this but still held back which is why I question his desire and especially the journeyman he has fought so far and lack of activity. Am not looking at India in general but Vijender, he was one of the guys to break out and did enjoy support / investment along the way to unlike Hussain Shah or Mary Kom who are were much bigger trail blazers and had to overcome a great deal. So with that in mind and all the support behind him in addition to the national appeal his career at the pro level should be in a much better position.

You wont find too many Amir Khan's not just in the UK but around the world, you train 100 kids to be pro fighters and you'd be lucky if even one made it at the world level. So being in the UK doesn't necessarily guarantee success, in fact we didn't invest in Boxing prior to 2004 on the Olympic stage; check this, in 2004 Amir was the sole representative of the British Boxing Olympic team as a 17 year old, when he won an Olympic medal he captured the imagination of the nation and amateur boxing in the country benefited with increased investment which resulted in a boom period in terms of medals which were won at Olympic events and World Championships; but if you look at GB record prior to 2004 it isn't pretty. Having said that we do have a different culture when it comes to combat in general so on that front sure he'd have a better shot here then in India, but I don't think that matters in this example because he managed to break through and then stagnated. And like I mentioned previously amateur and pro level are seen as two different sports but a successful amateur career generally should make the transition a little smoother to the pro level although this not always the case and a lot comes down to the adjustments you're able to make stylistically, the hard work you put in and match making which is designed to ensure your development.

I think that Vijender is the exception, unlike like Mary Kom, Hussain Shah and Muhummad Waseem he enjoyed more support in comparison and especially after his Olympic triumph. There's no excuses for him to be content with mediocrity which is why again I question desire and this may also be due to culture, we're talking about a guy who beat Badou Jack in the Olympics so it just goes to show you the potential. In Pakistan from the POV of their fighters thus far I haven't seen evidence which would make me question desire, this is why in certain aspects there are differences in the culture when it comes to combat although this also depends on region as Manipur is similar to Lyari for example.

If you look at Waseem's career so far his biggest stumbling block has been lack of support at the amateur and pro level, you'd think that Vijender with his resources would have achieved more access but he hasn't, a lot of it comes down to desire, Waseem may not have won an Olympic medal and alot of it has been due to politics but for remains arguably the greatest amateur his country have produced so far, at one point he just decided enough is enough, Pak wont support him and he opted to turn pro on the back of an elite amateur pedigree, soon after he fought top 10-15 fighters at fliyweight claiming the silver title in just his 4th fight, now this is not something I'd expect from anyone starting out in the pro game or Vijnder but it goes to show you how serious Waseem was, he put the hard work in, seeked help from the Mayweather Gym in America and soon after he was facing Mithalane for the world title in just his 8th fight, Mithalane is no joke either and one of the greatest flyweights of the 21st century with his only high profile defeat to a top 10 P4P talent in Nonito Donaire, but Waseem held his own in a very competitive fight which could have gone either way. Unfortunately for him he didn't get the decision and with lack of sponsorship / support there's no where to go but he's someone who is capable of becoming world champion and has achieved more then Vejender who should be a top 10 super middle weight given his much better position in general.

Fair point.

The only thing I'd argue is how much Amir Khan was helped being British. I will not argue that Amir has done well, and he has had to work really hard for it. Not every boxer become an Olympic medalist at 17, goes on to do what Amir Khan has. My only point being, whether he would have had the same support and training if he were born in India or Pakistan.

I haven't followed Md. Waseem. What I do know that he has struggled to get sponsors despite being Pakistans no.1 boxer. Similar would have been the case for anyone venturing into professional circuit in India. Now, with Vijender as a star, this path could become a lot easier for the next gen of boxers.

And yeah, agreed that Vijender has taken it too easy, especially since turning pro (quality of fights etc). I remember Amir Khan had like 6-7 fights a year for his first 3 years. However, him going into movies could have been a ploy to garner media attention before his foray into the professional circuit. I am able to look at his action before turning pro with a more empathetic angle. Not since he has turned pro.

 

[Sidilicious]

The biggest advantage Singh would have would be his monumental size advantage over Amir Khan, we have weight classes for a reason this is probably the main reason why the two may never fight but money talks in Boxing and they'd really play up the Pakistan / India angle. If am honest I've not put a great deal of thought into the match up in general as I don't find it interesting but it could be a little closer then we imagine plus Khan is passed his peak at this stage in his career, he doesn't move laterally so effortlessly like in the past and is more exposed then ever defensively but he would still start as the favourite. It would be a great fight for asia I suppose because while Khan is a Brit he has a huge fan base in Pak and is always doing stuff over there and has started some leagues in India to.

Ideally though I'd prefer it if Vijender takes his pro career more seriously in terms of world level ambitions but right now it seems to me he's looking to knock over journeyman, make a few quid and get out.

Hasn't Amit fought in the Middleweight class? But yeah, it would not be his natural category, even if he did go up a division to make some dough.

Having said that, Amir has some bigger fish to fry for now.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Hasn't Amit fought in the Middleweight class? But yeah, it would not be his natural category, even if he did go up a division to make some dough.

Having said that, Amir has some bigger fish to fry for now.

Yes you can make a deal on a catchweight which is outside the general weight divisions. Khan fought Canelo who is a much larger boxer and the same could happen with Vijender but Khan has boxed at the elite level, the highest level in world boxing many times. Vijender is average compared to him, wont stand a chance.

 

[shaz619]

Hasn't Amit fought in the Middleweight class? But yeah, it would not be his natural category, even if he did go up a division to make some dough.

Having said that, Amir has some bigger fish to fry for now.

The middleweight limit is 160 lb but Khan fought Canelo at 155 lb, it didn't matter because there was no re-hydration clause and on fight night, Canelo reportedly outweighed Khan by 30 lb which is massive. But it was a desperate move from him to get a super fight against the biggest star in Boxing when he was unable to get Floyd or Manny in the ring with him. Outside this one occasion he has never fought beyond 155 lb and he's a small welterweight even at his ideal weight division of 147 lb. Vijender's weight division on the other hand is 168 lb