Manchester: When Vijender Singh made a decision to turn professional, many fingers were raised on him. Some doubted his commitment towards his country, while others doubted his success in the professional arena. However, the champ answered his detractors with a spectacular win against Britain's Sonny Whiting in his debut match, knocking out his rival, who had promised to put the Beijing Olympics medallist through hell at the Manchester Arena.

Vijender won the contest with a few seconds left in the third of the four-round bout via “technical knockout”, pushing Whiting on to the ropes and smacking him with a combination of jabs and uppercuts before the referee stepped in to stop the contest.

Ecstatic about his win, the Bhiwani boxer said that it was just a beginning. “I am very happy for this win. It’s just a beginning. I have to go a long way. I will work harder and have to be professional champion one day. I never get nervous during the fight. My punches have replied to Sonny Whiting in the ring,” said Vijender. 

“It’s new for me but I have been working hard. It’s going on well. I want to win, win and win. I would like to thank my fans, friends, family and coaches for their support in beginning this journey. I have to cover a long way and will continue my hard work. I want my country to be known in the professional ring. Now I will prepare for my next fight on October 30,” said Vijender.