With three knockout victories in as many matches, Vijender Singh and his pro boxing career already look to have turned pro from their nascent stages. The Indian boxer from Haryana has won all three of his bouts so far in the pro circuit in thumping fashion and has already made a name for himself around the arenas.
Back in India on Monday for a break till the first week of January, the boxer spoke about meditation, confidence, and his desire to be a champion in an exclusive interview with DNA.
Despite having a successful run so far, Singh said that he isn’t satisfied yet and that it is just the beginning for him. He mentioned great boxers and their records of remaining unbeaten for 40-45 matches and said that he wants to follow their footsteps and the recent success is just a small step towards that.
The Olympian couldn’t believe the beginning that he has already had to his pro boxing career, but has also chosen to remain unfettered by what people think of him. He is of the opinion that people would praise when you do well, and try to bring you down when you fail, and it is in your best interests to remain unaffected by whatever they think of you- whether good or bad.
“There were lots of people who spoke about my decision of turning pro. Lots of people criticised me. Some people also used bad language against me in the social media.”
“But I knew from within that if you do the right thing, God is always there to help you. If you work hard, everything is possible. I don't believe in the word 'impossible' in life.”
“You can achieve anything if you are willing to put everything towards it,” the 30-year old said.
In England though, the Indian has become an instant success among his own diaspora and the natives alike. People have been calling him to extend their support and invite him to functions, something that has endeared the athlete.
He said that people are excited about what he has been doing there, and the chants of ‘India’ that resonate in the arena whenever he enters it to fight gives him a great feeling. People have come from far off places including Indian cities like Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad to cheer to their native boy, he said, and they tell him, “Vijender, we've come here just for you.”
Talking about the sources of his passion for boxing, he accredits his experience in the amateur circuit as well as his preparations for the Olympics and said that he has learned from his experiences. The 30-year old said that it is the experience that keeps him going in the pro arena.
His confidence before the fights has impressed one and all, for which he credits meditation. “It's like visualising before the fight. I visualise myself entering the ring, the song playing loudly as I stare at my opponent.”
“So, it's like you've already seen everything beforehand, and thus, I know exactly what's going to happen inside the ring.”
“Also, if you know you've worked hard from the bottom of your heart, you will be confident. If you haven't, no matter how much you try to show it, you won't be,” he said.
Laying stress upon the confidence factor, he said that he always thinks about becoming a champion and unless you’re confident about yourself, you cannot become a champion.
On his future challenges and the pressure of maintaining the good run in the circuit, he admitted that it wouldn’t be easy. He believes, though, that he would maintain his performances in the future as well because he always gives his 100 percent whether it is during training or in the ring.
The boxer also believes that he has opened the doors for young boxers in the country and for the boxing market at large and that it’s their responsibility now to take it forward.
