WBO Asia Pacific title: Vijender Singh defends title in style, knocks Francis Cheka out in 3 rounds

Vijender Singh's Tanzanian challenger Francis Cheka was retired hurt in the third round after the Indian boxer landed some powerful punches.

New Delhi: Tanzania's Francis Cheka proved to be a no show against India's Vijender Singh, who knocked out his opponent inside three rounds to defend his WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight title.

The referee had to stop the fight after one minute fifty six seconds in third round as Cheka looked uncomfortable after Vijender shocked him with seven punches compared to his three in the third round. Cheka was retired hurt even before third round was over.

The jam-packed crowd at Thyagraj Stadium got entertainment worth their money as Vijender defended his title.

With this win, Vijender remains unbeaten in his pro boxing career.

Vijender's decision to switch to pro-boxing had raised many eyebrows. But the boxer from Bhiwani worked tremendously hard to make a name for himself and defeated Australia’s Kerry Hope in his seventh pro boxing fight to enter the top-15 of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) ranking. With the comprehensive win, Vijender also lifted his first title of his professional career — WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight belt.

In his previous six bouts, Vijender defeated Sonny Whiting, Dean Gillen, Samet Hyuseinov, Alexander Horvath, Matiouze Royer and Andrzej Soldra.