Battleground Asia: Vijender Singh defeats Zulpikar Maimaitiali to win 'double title fight', dedicates win to India-China friendship

This is certainly a proud moment for the country. Vijender Singh has defeated Zulpikar Maimaitiali by 96-93 95-94 95-94 to win his second title. This was his ninth consecutive victory in professional boxing and he has kept his record intact. The match which went on till tenth round turned out to be a thrilling affair. The scores were tied but the three judges gave a unanimous decision and declared Vijender as the winner. 

The match had a lot at stake as both Vijender and Zulpikar had put their WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight and WBO Oriental Super Middleweight titles on the line. Vijender. The 32-year old is now the holder of both the titles. The star Indian boxer took a lot of heavy blows from his Chinese counterpart as blood poured out from his nose. 

Vijender wished to return the title back to the Chinese boxer focussing on the ties between India and China. He dedicated the win to the friendship of the two nations.

Celebrities have taken to twitter the congratulate the boxer on his victory. Former Indian batsman Virendra Sehwag also extended his wishes to Vijender.

Tough match this,but congrats @boxervijender .Enjoyed Hakka Noodles while watching ur fight & you made Chinese Hakka Bakka#BattleGroundAsia pic.twitter.com/6nlcX92MHM

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 5, 2017

"I want to give back this belt to Zulpikar. I hope forpeace in the border and the message is about peace. That ismost important," Vijender, an Olympic bronze medallist, saidafter his bout.     

For weeks, India and China have been involved in astand-off along part of their shared border. While Vijender had commented that "Chinese products don't last long" prior to his bout, Zulpikar's spirited show lefthim surprised.     

"I was under the impression that the Chinese would notlast long, but he has left me surprised with the way he fought," Vijender said.

                                                                                                            (With PTI inputs)