Vijender, opponent clash at weigh-in

Indian boxing sensation Vijender Singh and his French opponent Matiouze Royer became embroiled in a confrontation during their official weigh-in at the Copper Box Arena here on Friday.

The 29-year-old Royer is Vijender's most experienced opponent to date and is expected to provide a stern test for the big-hitting Indian.

The 6 ft boxer from Bayonne in south west France went head-to-head with Vijender after the pair had weighed in at the venue for Saturday night's fight.

Despite the massive showdown being little more than 24 hours away, Royer couldn't wait to fight Vijender and appeared to head-butt the undefeated middleweight star.

Both men were forced away from each other by officials as tempers threatened to boil over. Royer is a veteran of 44 fights, claiming three of his 14 wins via knockout and is promising to spoil the party when he meets Vijender on Saturday night.

"I know I've got the beating of Vijender already; I saw it in his eyes. He looked scared to me. There's no doubt in my mind I'll knock him out tomorrow night. There's a lot of hype around this guy and I can't wait to be the one to put him in his place," said Royer.

"I'm the more experienced fighter and I'll show it tomorrow. There's no way I'm letting this guy beat me; he's only had four professional fights. He won't have a reply for anything I throw at him and once I start landing it will be game over for India's golden boy."

Vijender looked to be in impressive condition as he hit the scales at 11 stone 13lbs while hot-headed Royer also came in at 11 stone 13lbs.

--IANS

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