Vijender Singh hails his defensive strength, attributes Mohammed Ali’s video

Indian boxer Vijender Singh in action against the Chinese boxer Zulpilkar Maimaitiali during their 'Battleground Asia'

Bengaluru, August 7: Vijender Singh is sure that Saturday's fight was the most difficult one he had to face in his nine unbeaten bouts as a professional boxer.

Despite having defeated his Chinese opponent Zulpikar Meimeitiali after a rigorous ten rounds' fight, Vijender admitted that the 23-year old Chinese boxer offered him the toughest challenge so far he had envisaged the previous eight boxers.

But how could he manage to continue the winning streak even after being floored several times by powerful punches from Zulpikar?

The 31-year old Vijender, speaking from Mumbai on Sunday said, "It was only the defensive organization that helped me to get rid of opponent boxer's aggression. If you again see the video recording of this match, you will find that after the completion of sixth round I took a couple of minutes' break."

Vijender further added, "I was discussing with my coach Lee Beard about the strategy. Then I changed the style, depending on defensive organization and opportunity to bounce back."

Vijender also said, "I had done hours of hard work to build up defensive organization for last couple of months. I knew this 23-year old Zulpikar has powerful punches and noticeable speed."

Simultaneously, Vijender pointed out an interesting information saying, "I used to watch video recordings of legendary boxer Mohammed Ali as he has been my idol since I started boxing. It is fact that I do not try to follow any one's style. Still, I can realize that my footwork and defensive organization has been greatly influenced by Ali's footwork which has been a fairy tale in the history of boxing."

The bronze medal winner in Bejing in 2008 revealed his next bout is likely to take place around in November-December. The boxer wants it to be staged in Kolkata.

He said, "Kolkata is a sports lover city. I also have a lot of fans in the city. I know there will be a lot of craze if my bout can be arranged there in Kolkata."