Vijender Singh to fight Russia’s Artysh Lopsan in his comeback game on March 19

India’s professional boxing star Vijender Singh will fight Russia’s Artysh Lopsan in his return to the ring after over a year disrupted by Covid-19 during which he relied on his amateur contemporary and former Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist Jai Bhagwan for training assistance. Vijender and Losan will square off on March 19 in a super middle-weight (76kg) showdown on the rooftop deck of the Majestic Pride Casino Ship in Panaji, Goa. Lopsan’s name was revealed at a press conference here. “It wasn’t the easiest year and initially it took a while for the body to respond. But the last two months have been fabulous for me. Jai Bhagwan (2010 CWG bronze-medallist) helped me with my training here in Gurgaon,” Vijender told PTI on how he geared up for his return.

“I was also in touch with (my Manchester-based British trainer) Lee Beard for some online help,” he added. The 26-year-old Losan has fought six pro bouts, claiming four victories, including two knockouts. His last contest was in December 2020 against compatriot Yusup Magomedbekov, which he won via Technical Knockout. Vijender, on the other hand, is unbeaten throughout his professional career. His record of 12-0 includes eight knockouts. The 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze-medallist defeated Ghana’s former Commonwealth champion Charles Adamu in Dubai to claim his 12th successive win in November 2019. “Lee couldn’t be here because of COVID restrictions but he has been supportive and has been there online whenever I have needed advice. Jai, you can say, is my coach right now,” Vijender said about his longtime friend with whom he competed in the 2010 CWG in Delhi. Lee has been Vijender’s trainer ever since he took the professional plunge in 2015. Vijender said the lockdown posed a few challenges with regards to finding sparring partners but in the last few months, he has got what he needed to be ready for the comeback. He is eyeing another knockout against the less experienced Russian.