vijender singh
Vijender Singh turned pro in October 2015 Getty

Vijender Singh faces Kerry Hope in the WBO Asia Pacific Super-Middleweight title clash at Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi on 16 July (Saturday).

Where to watch live

The Singh vs Hope fight is live in the United Kingdom on Box Nation, with the game scheduled to start at 5pm BST.

Overview

India's Vijender Singh returns home for his much anticipated clash against Kerry Hope, which takes place on 16 July in New Delhi. This is Vijender's first fight at home and is a step-up for the Indian, representing his biggest challenge in his short career so far. With the WBO Asia Pacific Super-Middleweight title on the line, Vijender will know that he has to be on his toes in the tie.

The 2008 Olympic Games bronze medallist comes into this clash on the back of some brilliant form, racking up six consecutive wins since turning pro last October. Vijender, who has won all his matches via knock-out, is bigger and taller than his opponent, and has the benefit of a longer reach.

During his pro career, he has shown some slick boxing skills, balanced with a ferocious attacking flair instilled by his coach Lee Beard, which has made him a difficult fighter to face. With the bout taking place in India, he will definitely have the crowd's support and comes into this clash as the favourite to win.

His opponent Kerry Hope represents Vijender's toughest opponent to date; the former European Middleweight Champion has fought 30 fights so far in his career, boasting a 23-7 record, facing the likes of Darren Barker, Grzegorz Proksa and Eamonn O'Kane.

The southpaw just like Vijender comes into this clash on the back of some good form, winning three games on the spin and will look to tire out his opponent in what is a ten-round contest.

What will be of concern to Hope is that he has been fighting infrequently while his opponent has been in constant training and competition over the past year. The 35-year-old boxer will know that a win here will lead to a world ranking with World Boxing Organization (WBO) in the 168lbs division and he can look forward to some potentially intriguing fights later this year.

Prediction

Vijender Singh to win

Betting odds (888sport)

  • Vijender Singh to win: 1/25
  • Draw: 25
  • Kerry Hope to win: 9
India