'Return of the Singh' to also feature maiden IBC Title bout

The inaugural IBC National title bout will feature Indian boxers Siddharth Varma and Dilbagh Thakran in the Super Welter Weight before the headline fight for WBO Asia Pacific Middleweight Championship, featuring knockout king Vijender Singh against Kerry Hope on July 16.

Siddharth and Dilbagh will compete against each other for their maiden title fight in an eight-round contest.

Siddarth Varma, who is from Pune, made a winning start to his professional boxing career earlier this year by winning two back-to-back Pro fights of four rounds each, is now training hard with the legendary American coach Joe clough at the IBC academy at Pune.

Clough, who has trained the likes of Evander Holyfield, Jonny Bumphus, Sugar Ray Seales and Rocky Lockridge among others, is training IBC boxers at Pune for the July 16 fight card in New Delhi which will have nine Indian boxers other than Vijender.

Commenting on his first title fight, 31-year old Siddarth, said "I have been in the amateur circuit for a very long time, but this is a whole new story, I have never been fitter than what I am today. This is my first 8 round contest and I spar for over 16 rounds 4 times a week. I know it's not going to be an easy fight for me but this is my first shot at a Title and I intend to hurt my opponent."

Siddarth Varma's opponent, 27-year old Haryana boy Dilbagh Singh Thakran, a former commonwealth championship bronze medallist also turned pro in April this year by winning his debut fight against Rajneesh Malik at IBC 2 in New Delhi.

"My debut at IBC 2 was tough, it was the first time I tasted what Pro boxing was like, I know I have to work much harder on my physical fitness and I am game. I am taller, younger and faster than Siddharth, my punches will have him on the ropes by the 2nd or 3rd round, I will try to finishing him in the 4th round." said Dilbagh.

In the heavy weight division, former India International Naveen Rao from Delhi will make his Pro debut against Sumit Rangi from Haryana, who already has two wins in his name. This would be a six round contest.

Another humdinger in the offing is in the light heavy division which pits the "Pittbull" Gaganpreet Sharma from Chandigarh against Delhi boy Deepak Sheoran who stunned every one with a split decision win against former Railway champion Satish Dhull at IBC 2.

Gagan's unique style of boxing has been reminiscent of how Tyson used to stride into his opponents before landing the big blows. The moniker of "Pitbull" was aptly provided by Joe Clough, who is also the Technical Director of the Indian Boxing Council.