Vijender Singh continues victory run as Pink City roots for him

JAIPUR: The camera flashbulbs sparkled in the darkened area like thousands of fireworks. As the boxers made their way towards the ring, the low rumble intensified into a deafening sound that didn’t stop till the first punch was thrown. And the star of Saturday night show under the bright lights in the ring at

Sawai Mansingh Stadium

here was expectedly Vijender Singh.

The poster boy of Indian boxing kept his promise of blowing away his Ghanaian opponent

Amuzu Ernest

. And he did that in style, walking away a deserving winner, claiming his tenth victory as a professional boxer. Vijender won 1100-900.

It was a fitting reply by Vijender after the African pugilist had ridiculed him saying that the Indian didn't belong in the ring and should stick to acting in films as he is just an actor in boxing.

The

Olympic

and

World Championships bronze medallist

thus continues to remain unbeaten since making his professional debut in October, defending two titles that he had put on the line.

I was certain that the scoresheet would be in my favour: Vijender

With a sizeable crowd in attendance to cheer him, the WBO Oriental Super Middleweight and WBO Asia Pacific champion started cautiously, taking a measure of his opponent in the opening minutes. However, that did not stop him from landing a few clean jabs to steal the advantage.

In the second round, Vijender was more aggressive looking for theknockoutblow. Even though Amuzuwas more attacking of the two, the Ghanian’s inability toconnectcleanly proved to be his undoing against a rival who waited for the right moment tothrowhisblows.

Amuzutriedhisbestbut just could notfind a waytobreachVijender’s defence, hamperedtosome extent by hisshorter reach.

In the sixth round, Vijender mounted pressure leaving his opponent wobbling badly twice by clubbing blows. The Ghanaian managed to stay on his feet. As the match progressed, Vijender mounted the attack and was determined nottolethis man off thehook. He almostsent Amuzu reeling acrossthe ring.

Later, Vijender said: “The first two roundswere fine, but after the third I knew things would improve. I was certain that thescoresheetwouldbein my favour”

Describing the bout, Vijender said, “The fight wasn’t easy and I am happy with my performance. I couldn’t knock him out, but it’s part of the game. ”

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