Bulgarian veteran stands between Vijender Singh and title shot

Vijender is aiming at a title shot next year and wants to make a strong case for it

After a couple of equally nascent boxers in his first two fights, Indian star Vijender Singh will now face Bulgaria’s Samet Hyuseinov in his third professional fight on December 19th in Manchester . The pugilist from Haryana will have to get past the 14-fight veteran to make it a hat-trick of wins.

Hyuseinov has a record of 7-7, with one win by knockout. He has more experience than Sonny Whiting and Dean Gillen combined. Vijender’s first two opponents had a total of five fights under their respective belts.

Speaking on the importance of the fight, Vijender said,”This is another important fight for me that I must win so the pressure is on. I'm unbeaten and intend to stay that way going into next year where I am looking at my first title fight so I’m not letting Hyuseinov mess up my plans to get my first championship belt.

While I got rid of Whiting and Gillen early, I’ll have to see what Hyuseinov brings to the ring on the night. If I feel that I can take him out early I will go in for the early knockout and get the job done nice and quick.”

Knowing that Hyuseinov has an advantage in the experience department, Vijender said,”He's very experienced though and with 14 fights and 68 rounds he’s got the advantage over me in that department. It’s a step up for me though and if I can deal with him before the end of the four rounds then I know that I’m improving. I am also looking at ending year 2015 with a win.”

The Bulgarian was quite dismissive in his appraisal of Vijender, saying “Vijender Singh has never, never met anyone like me and he will realise what it is like with a real professional on the 19th December.

How can he look to fight for titles next year when he’s only had two fights and four rounds? He thinks that I’m some fool he’s going to just knock over easily."

I will take great delight in handing Vijender Singh his first loss and sending him back home to India beaten and broken. In fact I will tell you what I will do to him, I will smash him to the body to loosen him up and then a right hand to knock him out, just watch me.”

Strong words indeed, but that’s what makes boxing such an exhilarating sport. Vijender finished both his fights via technical knockout, stopping Whiting in the second round and Gillen in the first. While there were some defensive holes in his debut, the Olympian looked irreproachable in his sophomore appearance. Vijender will look to end the year on a high as he squares off against Hyuseinov in the Manchester Arena, where he won his debut.