Mumbai: After winning the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title and also snatching the WBO Oriental Super Middleweight title from Zulpikar Maimaitiali at the NSCI here on Saturday, Vijender Singh pitched for India-China friendship amidst growing tensions at the border.
“I dedicate my title to India-China friendship, because tension at the border is not good. I give this title to people, (of the both countries), peace, it’s all about friendship, Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai,” said Vijender signalling a soft-tune after a hard fought bout on Saturday night that lasted 10 rounds.
Vijender even offered his Chinese rival the belt back. “He gave me his cap, I wore it, I simply gave him the belt but he couldn’t (probably) understand it,” he said.
These comments came just on the eve of Friendship Day celebrated world over on Sunday. The Bhiwani boxer had indulged in pre-bout banter saying ‘Chinese products don’t last long’ and ‘I don’t consider him experienced and tough boxer’ with Maimaitiali responding ‘I will show Vijender what Chinese are capable of’.
The 23-year-old Maimaitali did show his capability with a power-packed performance and had more clear punches at Vijender but was undone by his mistakes.
