'WBO is my title and I'll be protecting it with pride': Vijender

Indian boxing sensation Vijender Singh is optimistic about his first defence of WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title against former World Champion Francis Cheka, saying it his title and he is ready to protect it with pride at the Thyagaraj Stadium here in the national capital on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Haryana boy secured his first WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title in July this year against Australian Kerry Hope. The Indian knockout merchant is now looking to defend his title in front of home crowd by knocking out Cheka in the early rounds.

"I am confident of getting another win, I feel my stance is becoming better with every training session and on top of that I feel more powerful than ever. On December 17 you will all see the results of the hard work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes," Vijender said.

The unbeaten Indian star further said, "This is my title and I'll be protecting it with pride. The support that I receive both here in the UK and back home in India is overwhelming. I'll pay back everyone's support and retain my title for the people of India!"

Calling for a massive support ahead of face-off against Cheka, Vijender said that although the Tanzanian fighter is highly-experienced, he is hungrier than him.

"Cheka is a highly-experienced boxer, he has many bouts under his belt but I am the younger, stronger and hungrier fighter. He is coming to my homeland to take what is mine but I won't let this happen. The Thyagaraj Stadium is my patch now and I'm expecting another huge crowd to come and support me," Vijender said.

Vijender has made an explosive start to his pro-career in the paid ranks by blowing away his first seven opponents in just 27 rounds. Cheka, the former world champion is Vijender's most experienced opponent to date and will prove a stern test for the big-hitting Indian boxer. Vijender currently has a record of seven out of seven wins with six knockouts.

On the other hand, Cheka is a veteran of 43 fights with 32 wins including 17 KO's. The experienced boxer from Tanzania has racked up 300 grueling rounds under his belt in the 16 years of his career in contrast to Vijender's 27 and has no fear fighting in India. He currently holds the Intercontinental Super Middleweight Championship title, which he won earlier this year in February against Geard Ajetovic of Serbia.