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The boxer who ended Vijender's unbeaten record

Last updated on: March 20, 2021 16:53 IST

Vijender Singh

IMAGE: Vijender Singh suffered his first defeat in the professional circuit, against Russian Artysh Lopsan via technical knockout (TKO), on Friday.

Russian boxer Artysh Lopsan, who ended star pugilist Vijender Singh's unbeaten run in the professional circuit, said he was glad to become the first person to stop the Indian's juggernaut.

In a major anti-climax, the 26-year-old six feet four inches tall pugilist out-slugged Vijender in the 'Battle on Ship' in Panaji on Friday evening and the bout was decided in the fifth round itself, ending in a knockout.

 

"My strategy worked against Vijender, he is a good fighter. I want to thank everyone who arranged this bout, it was a wonderful experience. I'm glad to become the first one to break the unbeaten record of Vijender Singh," Lopsan said after the fight.

Vijender Singh

Though dejected, Vijender put up a brace face, saying he would come back stronger.

"It was a good fight. He is a young and strong fighter," said Vijender, a 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist.

"But I will surely come back stronger and beat him in Moscow," the boxer from Bhiwani said.

After his game on Friday night, Vijender in a tweet said," It's (It) happens some times." 

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