I'll try to go to Rio Olympics: Vijender Singh

NEW DELHI: Six days after counting out his chances of making the Rio Games, Vijender Singh sprung a surprise here on Monday by expressing his interest in being part of the Olympics, even as he prepares for his much-awaited India debut as a professional boxer.
Vijender will face former European champion Kelly Hope of Australia for the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight Championship title fight in the capital on July 16.
"I will try to go to Rio. The last qualification is in Venezuala (from July 3 to 8) and I would love to be a part of it. It is a matter of pride to represent your country at the Olympics and when I am getting a chance now, why not?" Vijender said.
A month away from the big pro fight, Vijender may be racing against time as far as the Rio Games are concerned. The final Olympic Qualifier in Venezuela, which is open to pro boxers after AIBA's landmark decision last week, is scheduled a week before his title bout. Clearly, his UK-based promoter Francis Warren wasn't impressed.
"I think Vijender can have his views on Olympics. But Olympics is a stage which is meant for youngsters and I think it should remain that way. And youngsters deserve that chance to shine in their own right," he said.
Vijender, who has won all six fights since turning pro in October last year, said it takes a lot of hard work to maintain a clean record. "People may feel that six knockouts from as many fights is easy. But come with me for my gym session and you will know. It looks easy from the outside but requires lot of hard work. I hope I can seal my fight against Kelly early, like I have been doing as a pro boxer so far," Vijender said.
Former European champion Hope said he is enjoying the underdog tag and that he was here to stop Vijender's winning run. Hope holds an impressive record of 23 wins from 30 fights and boasts of 183 rounds under his belt.
"Good to be here. Little trouble with visa this week but I am here to crush his dream. He has been a pro for a year and before that he won medals in the Olympics and World Championships but I have seen it all before. It doesn't give me sleepless nights. I have been a pro for 12 years. I have the experience and will take that with me to the fight. I have been world No. 3 in the past.
I know the crowd will be behind him but I like being the underdog. The pressure is on him. He has to train harder. There is big rivalry between India and Australia in cricket and I will renew that on July 16," he said.