New format tough, says Vijender

Vijender returned on Monday, after winning a bronze medal at the European Grand Prix event in Usti Nad Labem, Czech Republic, his first competition since notching up the historic bronze in Beijing Olympics.

The 23-year-old boxer said he is hoping to do better at next month’s Asian Championship in Zhuhai, China after getting a feel of the new format, which is three rounds of three minutes each. Earlier, the format was four rounds of two minutes each.

“Boxers have become more defensive because it is tough test of your endurance and stamina, the scoring has gone down because judges no longer give points on touch and go and the risk of injury has increased. The new format is, however, exciting as there won’t be many lop-sided bouts from now on,” said Vijender.

“It will take some time for me adapt to it but that won’t be much of a problem. Having got a feel of it in Czech Republic, I am sure I will do better in the Asian Championship,” he said.
“I was coming back into competitive boxing after an eight-month gap and I think I adjusted pretty well to the changes,” Vijender said.

He said it would be impossible for a pugilist to keep his guard down in the new format.
“You can’t compete with your guard down, it’s very risky. As I found out, you have to attack but make sure that you have a tight defence. Besides, there is no scope of evading the opponent with footwork, the moment you step back, the referee stops and tells you to engage,” he explained.

The coach accompanying them on the trip, C Kuttappa,  said the Indians will return with a better tally of medals in Asian Championships.