His statement is not too off the mark given that Vijender became the country’s first Olympic and world medallist in middleweight. Bantamweight, on the other hand, has thrown up achievers such as former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Akhil and three-time Asian medallist and world bronze- medallist Shiva Thapa. Mandeep had lost 4-1 to Israil Madrimov, the reigning Asian champion and an Asian Games silver-medallist. “I know if I have to become the first choice, I have to beat Vikas soundly. He is technically a very sharp boxer but I think I can beat him on pace and power,” he asserted.

Source: Hindustan Times February 05, 2018 11:37 UTC