New Delhi: Vijender Singh has had to unlearn a few tactics from his amateur days in his unbeaten journey to the WBO Asia Pacific title, reveals the Indian boxing star’s renowned British trainer Lee Beard who “makes it hard for him in the gym to make him more spiteful and angry in the ring”.
Speaking to PTI, Beard, who has worked with the likes of Mayweather besides being the assistant trainer to former world champion Ricky Hatton, detailed Vijender’s rise to the WBO title that was won amid frenzied fans here.
“All his amateur experience has been a huge help for him because he has won on some very big occasions –- Olympics, World Championships. By the time he turned pro, he had already learnt to deal with pressure. He was smart and skillful even before he came to me. I have only added to his game, made him think differently,” Beard said.
“I have tried to make him punch harder and harder and use his jab more. His footwork used to slow him down because as an amateur he used to run around in the ring. The main thing he has unlearnt is the footwork from amateur days with regards to running around the ring. It’s no good for a 10-round bout,” he added.
“He is more fluent now, there is bit more rhythm. His defence is also so much better now. Now when you see him in the ring, it is not easy to connect to him because he is walking, turning, his defensive jab has improved a lot. His all-round understanding, his patience and control over the fight has improved.” Attempts to keep Russia out of RIO?
