Boxer Vijender dedicates win to Indian military martyrs

Indian pugilist Vijender Singh dedicated his fourth consecutive victory in professional boxing to the martyrs of Indian armed forces after defeating Hungary's Alexander Horvath at the Liverpool Echo Arena here.

Vijender blew away Horvath in the third round with a big body shot on Saturday evening.

"I'm thrilled to get my fourth professional victory and excited for what the future holds for me. I'm happy to get another knockout win and really want to push on from here with some big performances is 2016. I was better prepared for my fight because this fight was postponed by almost a month. I dedicate this win to the martyrs of Indian armed forces during Jammu and Pathankot attacks," said Vijender.

"I have proved my hard work in the ring. I know in professional boxing your opponents always engage you in war of words and they give you a lot of challenges as Horvath did, but my punches replied to him. I am happy my professional career is progressing in a positive manner and all hard work I am doing with my trainers is giving positive results."

An undefeated Vijender entered the ring in his own style on Bollywood song 'Singh is King'. The 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist was well on top from the very first bell, landing some big right hand shots on the retreating Horvath.

"The support I have received from everyone here in Liverpool and back home in India has been absolutely phenomenal. My phone hasn't stopped buzzing with messages of support from all around the world and I'm so grateful to all my new fans. You can expect some big performances from me this year as I look to move up the ranks. Now immediate target will be my next fight in Harrow on April 2," said the 30-year-old.

The Indian started the second round with a flurry of big hooks that connected well on Horvath, who struggled to handle Vijender's power and movement. The contest was won in the third round with a powerful body shot that connected on Horvath's shoulder. The Hungarian went down and failed to beat the referee's count.

"Vijender was in control of the fight from really early and enjoyed himself himself there. He took his time because he wanted to get some rounds under his belt. We've also been working on getting his feet and distance right to try and get himself into a position to land meaningful shots," Vijender's trainer Lee Beard said.

"He's also been practicing his defence and blocking punches to let him work on the inside which he did against Horvath. I'm very pleased with the job he's done but there is still much more to come," Beard added.