CHENNAI: Amir Khan has always appraised himself to be an underdog ahead of big bouts. The British boxing ace of Pakistan origin has been training intensively for his much-anticipated WBC title contest against Mexico’s Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. Canelo, who has only lost to Floyd Mayweather in his impressive career, is likely to give the former two-time world champion a tough fight. The Bolton-born boxer is also keen to raise the sport in his home country and India. In a candid chat with Indian media on Monday, Amir suggested that a fight with Indian ace Vijender Singh would be a great way to promote the sport.
“India believes in boxing. India is faster than Pakistan in growth. I don’t mind coming to India for a good fight. Imagine a fight between Vijender and myself. That could be huge. We are similar in many aspects. It’s a great way to promote boxing.”
However, a fight with Vijender is at least a year or two away. India’s pro boxer just has four bouts under his belt whereas Amir has 34. Technically speaking Amir boxes in middleweight (72.5kg) while Vijender in super middleweight (76kg). “Of course a fight is definitely possible but may be next year or 2018,” said Neerav Tomar, CEO and MD of IOS Sports, who manages Vijender. “Either Amir has to gain weight or Vijender needs to lose some. For Amir with his body structure I am not sure whether he can. Ditto Vijender. Thus, it is very much possible, but the technicalities exist.”
Considered to be one of the best pound-for-pound fighter, Amir said he has great admiration for Vijender & Co. “I’m a big fan of MC Mary Kom and Vijender. They are both great fighters. It makes me really happy to see a country like India producing champion boxers. I had so many people taking pictures with me when I last visited India! Despite all the problems between the two nations, we are after all, one. We need to support each other,” the 29-year-old said.
A glimpse at Amir’s pro career shows he is one of the best in the business — 31 wins in 34 bouts with 19 wins by KOs is no mean feat. Amir, who took to boxing at the tender age of 8, thrives on confidence. Known for his speed and endurance he is ready for his immediate challenge. “I’m a really focussed fighter. I never really let anything get in the way. Canelo is a great fighter. I admire him a lot.”
On paper Canelo’s record reads better, but Amir, who won silver in the Athens Olympics at 17 years of age, is not worried about the same. Growing up in a diverse neighbourhood, Amir has always beaten the odds.
“Everybody in the UK knew me. I always believed in hard work. I was the only Asian kid. A lot of people backed me then, which gave me a lot of confidence,” he recalled. ”A lot of people wrote me off when I went for the Olympics (Athens), saying I’m just a kid. But I proved them wrong. I love being the underdog.”