WBO Asia Pacific title: Vijender Singh's Olympic Bronze medal is nothing, says opponent Francis Cheka

Even as Cheka shoved him during the customary 'Face-Off' photo-op, Vijender showed restraint.

New Delhi: While ace Indian boxer Vijender Singh is on a roll in his pro-boxing career, his next WBO Asia Pacific challenger Francis Cheka has already heatened up proceedings ahead of their much-awaited bout.

The Tanzanian made headlines on Tuesday after he mocked Vijender's first Olympic medallist in the sport.

Cheka gave a statement at a pre-event face-off.

"Vijender's Olympic medal is nothing. I am a World Champion and inter-continental champion. On December 17, Vijender will know why I am a world champion. I feel sorry India has picked Vijender to fight me. Vijender looks scared already. India will be ashamed on Saturday," Cheka said through his interpreter as the smirk on Vijender's face refused to leave.

The Tanzanian, though, has lost all his bouts away from home.

Pro-Boxing does not mind tall claims, but Vijender was more guarded in his reaction.

"December 17 night will decide the kind of training that I and Lee Baird (trainer) had put in. I don't care who my opponent is. I am 110 percent ready. I will show him who is the best," said Vijender.

Even as Cheka shoved him during the customary 'Face-Off' photo-op, the Indian showed restraint.

One could be forgiven for thinking at times that Cheka's attempt to spice up things didn't quite work as Vijender would have none of it.

The fight's promoter IOS's Neerav Tomar was asked about the logic behind a Tanzanian being the challenger for an WBO Asia-Pacific bout and he said: "He has come up having won Super Middleweight title in the African region. Anybody can be a challenger. Every six months, Vijender will have to defend his title. If he loses the bout, the WBO Super Middleweight title becomes vacant."

Tomar said despite the sponsorship crisis that arose due to demonetisation, they have been able to garner enough sponsors for the fight.

"We have around 8-10 sponsors and we are talking to a few more. Despite the crisis there has been very good response," Tomar said.

Tomar also informed that they are set to open a Pro-Boxing School and have zeroed in on 30-odd fighters.

While his promoter may have had his challenges due to demonetisation, Vijender gave his thumbs up for the move.

"Everybody should appreciate the move by PM Narendra Modi. I would term it a knock-out punch on corruption. There would be long-term benefits for sure," said Vijender.  

(With PTI inputs)