I am fitter and stronger than I have been in a while, very well prepared for my next bout: Vijender Singh

One of Indian boxing's biggest poster boys, who has an Olympic bronze medal to his name, is now geared up for this 14th professional bout and he doesn't want to carry the baggage of the maiden defeat of his pro career into his next bout. The Bhiwani star will face the reigning national West Africa Boxing Union champion Ghana's Eliasu Sulley on August 17 in Raipur. Vijender's pro boxing dominance has been evident since he turned pro in 2015. He has hit the ring 13 times and emerged victorious on 12 occasions, including 8 wins by knockouts. Ahead of his 14th pro bout Vijender spoke to TimesofIndia.com about his professional career so far, his defeat last year, Indian boxers' show at the recently concluded CWG 2022 and much more...

Vijender Singh and Ghana's Eliasu Sulley (Image credit: TOI special arrangement)On Aug 17, you will fight Ghana's Eliasu Sulley. How prepared are you? I'm very well prepared for this fight; my team has been working very hard with me for the past 19 months and this fight will be a culmination of all that hard work. We have reviewed everything that we know about him (Sulley) and are raring to go. I know he has a good knockout record and is looking to capitalise on that but I am ready. I am fitter and stronger than I have been in a while and this long hiatus has only given me an advantage for the next fight. Was your morale dented after the defeat to Russia's Artysh Lopsan last year? No one likes to lose and especially not in a competitive sport. Mistakes were made and that fight was lost but I also see it as a learning experience because there was a lot that I did take away from the fight. So yes, to answer the question, my morale was affected but it's all part of being an athlete and we have