SPORTS
As he gears up for his maiden bout this year in Mumbai after gap of 7 months, Vijender Singh talks about handling ups and downs since he turned professional 2 years ago
When Vijender Singh decided to take the uncharted road of professional boxing, little did he know about the ups, downs, twists and turns that would be thrown at him.
It's been almost two years since he first entered the ring as a pro boxer in October 2015, and Vijender's ridden through the highs as well as the lows.
And as he gears up for his first fight in 2017 as well as his maiden one in Mumbai on August 5 against China's Zulpikar Maimaitiali, neither does the 31-year-old wish to boast about the hits, nor rue the misses.
"I have a simple theory: upar wala jo karta hai, rab jo karta hai, changa hi karta hai (Whatever God does, it's for the good). It's a Punjabi saying. I don't analyse things too much," Vijender tells DNA from Manchester, where he is training a week ahead of the bout.
Vijender hit fifth gear in his pro career right from the word go, winning all his three bouts in 2015 either via knockout or technical knockout. The following year was about continuing his cruise, with Vijender coming out triumphant in five fights while winning the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title as well as retaining it in December 2016.
But that's when he started encountering roadblocks.
That fight in the last month of last year has been his last. He hasn't walked up to the ring, felt the adrenaline rush, knocked down opponents in 2017, for Vijender wasn't getting any title fighters.
The worrying signs grew in May, when he terminated his contract with his global promoters – Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions – due to lack of fights and failed financial negotiations.
The partnership got its second life last week, and Vijender will be back in the ring on Saturday.
He might be back on track, but not once did those speed breakers threaten to slow Vijender's hunger down.
"There are lots of distractions in the career that I've chosen, but I always believe that my job is to do boxing. That's it. I know my focus point. Sometimes, the promoters are not there, sometimes other things are not there. I don't care about all these things," Vijender says.
"If a fight is not meant to happen, it will not happen. That's not a problem for me. Maybe it will happen after a month, or two months, or a year. If someone wants to come into my team and join me, most welcome. If someone wants to leave me and my team, no problem with that too. My job is to do boxing, that's it. I don't care about any other thing," he adds.
Seldom has Vijender cared about other things, anyway. When the 2008 Games bronze medallist chose to give up on his Olympic hopes by turning pro in 2015, he faced brickbats from multiple quarters.
Two years on, Vijender believes he has silenced everyone who questioned his unconventional route.
"When I turned pro, lots of people criticised me, lots of people abused me, lots of people said crazy things about me. But now, the same people have come to my side. They say, 'you did the right thing'," he says.
There's a tinge of pride in his voice when he talks about being the face of change when it comes to pro boxing in the country.
"It's been nice. If you see my undercard (for the Mumbai fight), there are a lot of amateur guys who are fighting to make a name in their pro career. So, I feel happy that I've done something good for the country, inspired some people," he says.
"If you see, there are now three-four other companies who are promoting professional boxing in India. It's getting up. But it's just the beginning, and we still have to achieve a lot of things," he adds.
Much like his own professional career.
Come Saturday, Vijender will fight for a 9-0 win-loss record in pro boxing. And looking back, more than those eight victories over two years, Vijender is happier about the mental space he is in at this stage of his career as well as life.
"I'm happy. I'm happy with what I'm doing right now. I'm happy I can live with my family. I'm a complete family man. Yes, I miss India sometimes when I'm training. But I'm staying away for my country, so that I can bring India into the global professional boxing map," Vijender says
Vijender Singh last fought in December 2017 when he defended the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight against Francis Cheka
'Main pairon mein gir gaya': Virat Kohli recalls memorable encounter with Sachin Tendulkar - Watch
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries loses over Rs 4 lakh crore in market cap due to..
West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph suspended for two ODIs; here's why
Himachal CM Sukhu's samosas, cakes served to security staff; CID probe on
Meet Tamanna Bharat, who is all set to represent India at Miss Asia Global 2024 in Kerala
Bengaluru coconut vendor's viral ad challenges Zepto, Blinkit prices, netizen says 'let him cook'
Vvan: Sidharth Malhotra drops motion poster of folk mythological thriller, Kiara Advani reacts
Virat Kohli gets embarrassed as crowd sings 'Happy Birthday to you' in live event, WATCH viral video
Gym and fitness is all about overall health, not just good looks: BigMuscles Nutrition’s Suhel Vats
Station master's phone call with ex-wife led to Rs 3 crore loss to railways, know how
Uproar in J-K Assembly as BJP members protest over special status resolution
Aligarh Muslim University entitled to minority status under Article 30: SC
Collaborative global response a must to combat climate change effectively: Dr Sanju Purohit
Viral: Man rants about his GenZ colleague's leave to heal from breakup, gets trolled
Splitsvilla, Crime Petrol-fame actor Nitin Chauhaan passes away at 35 allegedly by suicide
Worrying signs for Mukesh Ambani's Rs 840960 crore company? Elon Musk will push Donald Trump to...
Have Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma moved back to Mumbai? Here's what we know
Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani are fond of these five dishes which cost Rs...
Meet Indian-origin Kashyap 'Kash' Patel, who could be Donald Trump's likely pick for CIA Chief
Donald Trump's second term worries Elon Musk's transgender daughter, says....
Meet IAS officer, who was a disabled bangle seller, cracked UPSC exam, is now serving in...
Meet IAS officer, who is nemesis of criminals, cracked UPSC exam with AIR 36, she is...
SC to pronounce verdict on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status today
Happy Chhath Puja 2024: Top 50 wishes, What'sApp messages, quotes to share with your loved ones
Viral video: Woman's sensual dance to 'namak' sets internet on fire, watch
SA vs IND, 1st T20I: Predicted playing XIs, live streaming details, weather and pitch report
SA vs IND, 1st T20I Dream11 prediction: Fantasy cricket tips for South Africa vs India match
Meet man who is set to lead Truecaller, not from IIT, IIM, earlier served Vice President of...
DNA TV Show: Why Pakistan worried about a Donald Trump presidency
Pakistan bow down as THIS country set to host India’s Champions Trophy 2025 matches
Amid heavy pollution in Delhi, these 12 Indian cities enjoy fresh, clean air
Bigg Boss 18: Vivian Dsena confides in Kashish Kapoor about his stepdaughters, talks about his...
After S Jaishankar's conference, India slams Canada for action against Australian news channel
Sidhu Moosewala's parents share NEW pic of his baby brother, netizens say 'so cute'
‘It definitely does a lot of good to my ego’: Aishwarya Rai gets candid in film promotion interview
Ignored for Australia Tests, India star slams sensational Ranji Trophy double ton
Interviewer asks Aishwarya Rai ‘how do you look so fab’, she says…
How Biden’s Lame-Duck Period Could Influence Policy Decisions After Choosing Not to Run in 2024
Watch: Viral video shows heated argument between passengers in Delhi metro
Virat Kohli's 'new chapter for me' post ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy sends internet into frenzy
Mukesh Ambani, India's richest man, donated over Rs 400 crore in one year, Gautam Adani gave Rs...
Delhi: Air pollution in national capital spike during Chhath Puja, AQI reaches 'severe' level
AUS vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 2nd ODI live in India?
'I gain weight as body...' Arjun Kapoor reveals being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease
Stark Visas: The Best Immigration Consultant in Delhi Sets Immigration Dreams High in Ahmedabad
KREEVA targets top 1% elite for its ultra-luxury homes in Delhi-NCR’s prime locations
Tata Group acquires another company for over Rs 18 crore days after Noel Tata joins board
WPL 2025 Retentions: Full list of players retained and released by all 5 franchises
ED raids main vendors of Amazon, Flipkart across multiple cities, including Delhi, Mumbai due to...
Anil Ambani suffers major setback, his company banned for 3 years due to...
Meet woman, a cuddler, professional hugger, earns Rs 7400 in 1 hour, she is...
Meet teen who started working from garage, now set to make Rs 25 crore at just 16 from...