Mumbai: Asia’s biggest showdown between Indian knockout king Vijender Singh and Chinese No.1 boxer Zulpikar Maimaitiali for ‘Battleground Asia” is scheduled for 5th August at Dome @NSCI SVP Stadium in Mumbai.
Sony Pictures Sports Network has bagged the exclusive broadcasting rights to this highly anticipated sporting event in Asia from IOS Boxing Promotions. The ‘Battleground Asia’ will be telecast on Saturday, August 5, live and exclusive on Sony TEN 1 & Sony TEN 1 HD in English and Sony TEN 3 & Sony TEN 3 HD in Hindi at 6:30 PM and viewers on the go can also watch the series by LIVE streaming it on the SonyLIV App or website.
The mega fight of Asia will see WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight Champion, Vijender Singh take on China’s number 1 boxer and WBO Oriental Super Middleweight Champion Zulpikar Maimaitali for a double title fight. In this fight both the boxer, will put their respective WBO titles at stake whoever wins the bout takes home his defended title along with his opponent’s title. This fight between two top boxers of Asian subcontinent will decide the crowning title, ‘King of Asia’.
After a long gap of nine years, India’s finest boxers knockout king, Vijender Singh as well as Olympic Quarter finalists Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar will be seen in the ring together. This will be a terrific opportunity for the boxing fans to see three of their favourite stars in the pro-circuit. The ‘Battleground Asia’ will also feature WBC Asia Welterweight Champion, Neeraj Goyat defending his title. The other junior boxers to participate in the fight night are Pardeep Karena, Dharmender Grewal and Kuldeep Dhanda.
Vijender Singh who remained unbeaten since his debut in professional boxing has fought 8 bouts last one being against former World Number 1 boxer, Francis Cheka, from Tanzania, where he defended his title. Vijender clinched on to his first title, in July 2016, against Kerry Hope of Australia, becoming the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight Champion. In total, Vijender has fought 8 bouts with 7 of them being won by Knock-out. He has 30 rounds under his belt, which gives him a slight edge over his opponent, who has fought 24 rounds uptil now.
On the other hand, China’s undefeated star boxer has 9 bouts under his name. Zulpikar Maimaitiali has 6 knock outs wins, and has fought 24 rounds. His last bout was with African boxer, Thomas Mashali, where he won his current title WBO Oriental Super Middleweight Champion last year. Zulpikar turned towards professional boxing in April 2015.
Akhil Kumar, who is all set to make his debut appearance in the pro boxing ring will take on Australian, TY Gilchrist and Jitender Kumar will face Thanet Likhitkamporn from Thailand in the first pro fight of his career. The 26-year-old boxer from Haryana, WBC Asia Welterweight champion, Neeraj Goyat will defend his title against Allan Tanada of Philippines.
Neerav Tomar, Promoter, IOS Boxing Promotions, “I am pleased to announce the signing of Asia’s biggest fight night with Sony Pictures Sports Network. After conducting two successful mega fights in Delhi, the popularity of pro boxing in our country has increased and this time around, we are seeing interest from various global broadcasters for ‘Battleground Asia’. We are very happy to join hands with Sony Pictures Sports Network as our broadcaster and SonyLIV for streaming it live on SonyLIV App and Website”
Rajesh Kaul, President, Distribution and Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, “We are delighted to showcase ‘Battleground Asia’, one of the most anticipated boxing clashes, on our sports network. Our aim is to provide multisport marquee content to sport enthusiasts. Olympian Vijender Singh is a national icon who has made India proud with his accomplishments globally. His performances have amplified interest in the sport and we are happy to be the broadcast partner for promoting the sport of boxing in the country. “
Vijender Singh, WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight Champion, “I am really happy that my double title fight against China’s Zulpikar Maimaitiali will be telecast live on Sony Pictures Sports Network and on the SonyLIV App and website. With the wide reach the of the network, I am confident all the boxing fans across the country will be able to catch me live in action. They can also enjoy the highlights on the SonyLIV App and Website.”
