Wanted to win at any cost for India, fellow boxers and myself: Vijender Singh

New Delhi: Vijender Singh on Sunday said he was determined to win his debut pro boxing bout against Sonny Whiting for India, fellow boxers and himself.

"I wanted to win at any cost. I wanted to win it for myself, my country and my fellow boxers. I had no other option. Once I entered the ring, all my focus was on finishing my opponent. Be it the first round or the fourth round, I just wanted to knock him out.

I also got confidence from the people around me, all the people back in India that were backing me. I could sense the support flowing in. So I wanted to do it for all of them," Vijender told DNA in an interview.

The 29-year-old also said he was confident that other Indian boxers will join pro boxing in the near future.

"I knew that if I do well in pro boxing, I was 100 per cent sure that the other boxers who are representing India at the amateur level will get inspired to join pro boxing.

So, more than anything else, I’m really happy about that. I had a lot of burden on my shoulders. I had to win at any cost. I just told myself, ‘Go and finish the fight’," the Olympic medallist winner further added.

Vijender's next bout is on October 30.