Vijender Singh wins first professional bout in style, knocks out Sonny Whiting

India’s Vijender Singh made his professional boxing debut with a bang, defeating Briton Sonny Whiting through a technical knock out in the third round at the Manchester Arena here Saturday. The Olympic and world championship medallist began well, attacked through the middleweight bout, and finished off the fight in the penultimate round when the referee stopped the contest.

The 29-year-old Indian started off confidently, pushing Whiting into a corner. Vijender sent down an array of punches, and the Briton returned them aggressively, as the first round seemed even.

Whiting, who had a 2-1 win-loss record in professional boxing prior to this match, tried to seize the initiative in the second round, but Vijender soon took control and even dropped his guard on a couple of occasions, virtually challenging his opponent to have a go at him.

As the clock ticked, Whiting found it difficult to match Vijender’s aggression, lost balance and fell on the ropes. Well before this bout, Whiting had told media that he plans to put “this kid” (Vijender) through “absolute hell”.

Whiting tried to come back into the game in the third round by unleashing a flurry of punches, but Vijender kept his cool and hit some upper cuts and a few jabs which unsettled the Briton, forcing the referee to stop the contest.

An elated Vijender later said it was just a beginning and he would have to go a long way. “I am very happy. It’s just a beginning, I have to go a long way,” Singh said.