Hoping to carry momentum into fight in India: Vijender Singh

LONDON: Yet another knockout win in his kitty, ace Indian boxer Vijender Singh said he couldn't have asked for a better buildup to his much-anticipated homecoming to India next month.

Vijender hammered Frenchman Matiouze Royer in a six-round super middleweight contest which was stopped in the fifth round. The 30-year-old Indian will next be seen in action on May 13 in Bolton against a yet-to-be-named opponent before heading to India in June.

"We had a solid game plan and I stuck to it perfectly. Royer is a tough opponent and made it difficult for me at times but he couldn't handle my power and accuracy. I felt in complete control throughout the fight and it's a shame the ref waved it off, I wanted more," Vijender said of the bout, which was his longest since turning pro last year.

"It felt like everything I was throwing was connecting. I'm feeling stronger with every fight and want to carry on this momentum. I've got a huge Indian homecoming to look forward to this summer so it's vital I get past my next opponent in Bolton," he added.

Vijender said he cannot wait to be home next month in India where he will be fighting his maiden title bout -- the WBO Asia belt -- on June 11 against a yet-to-be-announced rival.

"Winning my fifth bout against an experienced opponent will be helpful for me before homecoming WBO Asia Title fight. My immediate target is to win sixth fight in a row which is scheduled for 13 May in UK and will be back to training from tomorrow onwards to prepare hard for it," he said.

Vijender's India Promoter Neerav Tomar said the boxer is going from strength to strength with each bout.

"I'm very impressed with Vijender. He's showed everyone what he's capable of and I'm excited for his future. Everything is shaping up nicely for his homecoming bout, all he needs to do now is get past his May 13th bout," he said.