Vijender Singh steps in to Arafura Games ring

Tue, May 10 2011

Indian boxer and superstar Vijender Singh will make his debut in the Arafura Games boxing ring tonight.

The budding Bollywood star and favourite for Gold at next year’s London Olympics will be taking on Western Australian boxer Jeremy van Diemen in a Men's Light Heavyweight bout.

Queenland's Damien Hooper - tipped to be the boxer with the best chance to beat Singh - will be fighting Mohd Fairus Azwan Abdullah (MAS) earlier on tonight’s program.

"After a fairly good competition yesterday the really good boxers are yet to come," Arafura Games boxing coordinator Boyd Scully said.

"I have heard a lot about Mr Singh - it will be very interesting to see him perform here in Darwin."

Scully said while he was looking forward to watching the high-profile boxer perform in his arena, he was more so hoping for Queensland's Damien Hooper to put on a good fight.

"Damien is a close friend of mine, who considered me a role model," he said.

"Of course I hope he'll perform well - a final with Damien and Mr Singh on Friday would make a great night."

Singh yesterday denied rumours he was tying the knot with his girlfriend on May 17 after returning from the Arafura Games.

"Obviously I will get married, but not as of now," the 25-year old said.

The only Northern Territory boxer in the ring today will be Sirak Modeste Mfongwat, 19.

"I will be boxing with one hand," he revealed earlier today.

"I injured my right hand and can't use it, but I have trained too hard to fight in my first Arafura Games to give up now.

"The doctor gave me the okay to go in the ring if I only use one hand," the Cameroon-born boxer said.

NOTE: The Vijender Singh v Jeremy van Diemen bout will be webcast live at www.arafuragames.nt.gov.au/webcast

Tonight’s boxing action starts at 7pm (Australian Central time) Sing v van Diemen is the 111th match on a 12 bout card. The fight will be on about 9.45pm (Australian Central Time)

More information: Arafura Games Media Centre (08) 8982 2333.