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After a spectacular debut against Sonny Whiting, Indian boxer Vijender Singh is all set to take on Dean Gillen for his second professional bout. The match will happen on 30th October at the Harrow Leisure Centre in London and is expected to be a tough outing for the Indian.
Gillen is currently undefeated in the professional boxing circuit with two wins from two matches. Vijender is currently training for the match with his coach Lee Beard and Renjith Ravindran of Sportskeeda had the chance to catch up with the Indian Boxer. Vijender shared his views about his first match and the upcoming match against Dean Gillen. Below are the excerpts.
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Q: What was the best moment from your first professional fight?
A: Winning my professional debut fight was the best moment for me. It was a good start for me.
Q: There are claims among the boxing fan circle that your defensive guard was weak in the first match, what is your take on the same?
A: It was just the first game in the professional ring and you will get to see improvement in the next game. Learning new things with every fight is part of life.
Q: You are currently working with Lee Beard who has vast knowledge and experience. How has he changed you?
A: Lee Beard is a really hardworking man; he treats me like his family member. I’m just loving training under him. He has a very vast knowledge about physical and mental training and how to turn someone from amateur to professional in a very short span of time. It’s an amazing experience training under him. Every day I am learning new things which add confidence to me.
Q: Gillen is currently unbeaten in professional boxing. Does this add extra pressure or is it a motivator?
A: There is no pressure; I take it just as a responsibility. I am working hard to win the second fight and will give my best. I would love to stop his winning momentum when I meet him on 30th October.
Q: Gillen is a firefighter and is expected to have a tough mindset, do you have any special strategy for him or are you going to get into the ring and do your regular thing?
A: I am just working on my basics, physical and mental strengthening. The rest will be handled in the ring.
Q: According to you, which Indian boxer should turn professional next?
A: I think all who think they can do well in the professional ring should come and join.
Q: Who is your dream opponent at this present moment?
A: Every opponent is a strong opponent so my role would be to defeat whoever steps forward as an opponent.
Q: What are the chances of Indian boxers at next year’s Olympics?
A: I believe we have good talented boxers and they will definitely win medals.
Q: What is the biggest problem that a boxer from India faces when he decides to turn professional?
A: In India we don’t have professional boxing culture; I have joined professional boxing just to make this sport famous in my country. We have talent but the need is to show them direction. Nothing is impossible, if you work hard you can achieve it.
Q: Do you have any message for your fans?
A: I want more and more fans to follow professional boxing and keep cheering me on 30th October. Fans in the UK can come and support me live at Harrow Leisure Centre also.
