(Image source from: hindi.indiatvnews.com)

Indian ace boxer Vijender Singh is excited ahead of his first professional fight in the USA and banks on the support of local Indians to make his mark there.

The former Olympic and World championships bronze medallist was to make his USA debut in April but had to postpone his fight after receiving a cut on his eyebrow during sparring.

Vijender used the opportunity to make his debut in politics. However, he said he never quit boxing.

“I was back to training soon after the elections were over and trained for one-and-a-half months. I trained with my trainer Lee Beard in Manchester for six-seven weeks before reaching here on Sunday,” Vijender told The Hindu from Newark.

The unbeaten 33-year-old Indian star, who has remained unbeaten in his 10 professional bouts with seven knockout wins, will take on American Mike Snider at the Prudential Centre in Newark, on the undercard of Shakur Stevenson vs Franklin Manzanilla, on Saturday.

Vijender, who last appeared in a bout against Ernest Amuzu of Ghana in Jaipur in December 2017, said his comeback was not a problem.

“I have trained hard, done a lot of sparring and worked on my technique. I have concentrated on my basics. I will handle the next bout with my experience,” Vijender was by The Hindu.

Throwing light on his approach, Vijender said, “I need to be more patient. I will rely on my footwork and skills as it will be a long duel of eight rounds.”

Vijender looked forward to feeling at home against the 38-year-old American, who has a win-loss-draw record of 13-5-3, including eight knockout victories, in the super middleweight contest.

“The difference in fighting in the UK and the USA is that I have received a lot of messages from the Indians based here. I hope many of them will be here to support me.”

Even as Snider warned the Indian of a “rough and ugly” contest, Vijender gave his familiar reaction. “I don’t believe in big talk. I believe in doing my job well.

“A door has opened for me. I am in the USA for a fight after eight years.

“Last time I had won a gold medal in the World Police Games in New York and this time I will be the winner as well. I look forward to achieving my long-standing dream of tasting success at the Madison Square Garden sooner than later,” he said.

By Sowmya Sangam