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Amir Khan fight a possibility says Vijender Singh as Asian fighters star at Copper Box

Virender Singh poses with his team after winning at the Copper Box
Image: Virender Singh poses with his team after winning at the Copper Box

Vijender Singh is confident Amir Khan will overcome Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, paving the way for a potential mega-fight between himself and the Bolton fighter in India.

Now based in Manchester, India's boxing sensation, Singh, maintained his perfect record in the professional ranks, stopping 44-fight veteran Matiouze Royer in the fifth round at London's Copper Box on Saturday night.

Speaking ahead of his Las Vegas showdown with Canelo next weekend, Khan said he would relish a bout with Singh in the Haryana middleweight's homeland of India in the near future.

And three-time Commonwealth medallist Singh has welcomed Khan's challenge, insisting a bout between the two fighters can be a game-changer for boxing in India.

"I am happy to accept Amir's challenge but first he has the fight against Canelo to deal with," Singh told Sky Sports.

"Amir has got lots of speed and experience and I think he's going to 100 per cent win that fight. We are good friends, we talk all the time on Twitter and he knows I have confidence in him.

"But for sure it would be great for both me and Amir if we can make the fight happen. It would be huge fight, a great fight, a historical fight and the start if a new era for pro boxing in India."

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Tony Bange with his trainer after victory at Copper Box
Image: Tony Bange with his trainer after victory at Copper Box

Saturday's Copper Box card also featured British Asian fighters Sanjeev Singh Sahota and Tony Bange making their professional debuts.

Hornchurch super-lightweight Sahota floored Nikita Gultjajevs in the early stages of the bout before a devastating hook put paid to the Latvian challenger inside the first 60 seconds.

'My pro debut went so quick and I actually wish I had bit more time in there but it felt great," Sahota said.

Sanjeev Singh Sahota
Image: Sanjeev Singh Sahota was victorious on his pro debut

"This is a new game for me but I stayed focused and stuck to our game-plan. The guy came out swinging for me early doors but in the end he just couldn't live with my power. Now I want to work my way up the ladder."

Welterweight Bange, mentored by former world featherweight champion 'Prince' Naseem Hamed, was awarded a 39-36 decision in his four-rounder against Teodor Stefanov.

"It was a good start for me even though I felt like I rushed things a bit," the Wraysbury fighter said.

"I feel like I got stronger and more comfortable in the later rounds as the fight progressed but I'll keep working at it and it's just onwards and upwards from here for me."

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