The question on everyone's mind after Vijender Singh's WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title win against Australian Kerry Hope on Saturday is 'what next' for the Indian boxer
Vijender Singh and Amir Khan
New Delhi: The question on everyone's mind after Vijender Singh's WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title win against Australian Kerry Hope on Saturday is 'what next' for the Indian boxer.
Vijender Singh and Amir Khan
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There are number of options, according to Vijender's promoters IOS Promotions and Queensberry Promotions. Pakistani-born British boxer Amir Khan recently said that he would like to take on Vijender, and while the Indian is ready for him too, their difference in weight categories is the hindrance.
"Amir Khan is in middleweight (72.5kg) while Vijender in super middleweight (76kg) so either he will have to gain weight or Vijender will have to lose. That will take some time so that fight is some time off — maybe six months to a year away.
India vs Pakistan factor
But it will definitely be a lucrative fight given the India vs Pakistan factor involved. And Vijender is also excited about it," said IOS boss Neerav Tomar.
Queensberry chief Warren Francis has a more practical option at hand. "There are a lot of options for Vijender. After this fight, he will have a world ranking of Top 15 in the WBO and it is question whether he will keep climbing the ranking by fighting guys in the Top 15 or hold on to that belt for which he has to defend his title within 120 days.
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But an interesting option is that we go after Commonwealth Super Middleweight champion Luke Blackledge. He is also being promoted by our banner and I think Vijender vs Luke will make for a great fight. And I'm confident Vijender will win that fight.
Luke was supposed to fight here, but he didn't fancy coming here so maybe he will fancy it even less now after this great fight. In the long term, we will keep an eye on Amir Khan as well.
That fight over here will be phenomenal, a massive fight. We have tentatively talked with Amir's team. I know they want it, I know Vijender wants it, so let's wait and watch," explained Francis.
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