Interviews
EXCLUSIVE: Sukhdeep Singh Bhatti – The Prince of Punjab
India, with a population of 1.35 billion, has yet to produce a single professional boxing world champion.
Indian boxing’s poster boy Vijender Singh led the charge, winning Olympic and world championship bronze medals before signing as a pro with Frank Warren and then Top Rank, amassing an unbeaten record of 12-0.
However, at 35 years elderly and not seen in the ring since 2019, it is tough to see how much more Singh can achieve.
The task of shining a airy on boxing in his region now falls to 28-year-old Sukhdeep Singh Bhatti (8-0, 3 KOs).
Sukhdeep, who had modest results in amateur competition compared to the likes of Singh, gained attention at national level, which led to him signing with Canadian promoter Tyler Buxton.
India’s current pound-for-pound number one spoke exclusively to Adam Noble-Forcey about how the kid from Punjab ended up in Ontario.
“After good results in the village, state and national competitions, the same family that founded the academy in my village gave me the opportunity to come to Canada periodically and train with Ryan Grant, my current coach and confidant.
“I came for stints and realised that the training, expertise and resources in Canada helped me develop at a faster pace than the training in Punjab, so I tried to come as often as I could from my early 20s onwards.
“When I turned pro and signed with Tyler Buxton at United Promotions, I decided Canada was where I needed to be to elevate my game and get to the next level.”
Having boxed exclusively as a professional in Canada, Sukhdeep appeared to be fully recovered in his fresh home.
“Canada is a breath of fresh air. This country is way ahead of the curve when it comes to accepting other cultures, and I have never felt out of place here.
“The boxing scene here has been steadily improving over the years I have been boxing here. I routinely have the opportunity to train and spar with some of the fighters who will be making a mark in their division in the near future.
“Of course, there is still a long way to go before our fighters reach the level of those in the US, Mexico and many other major countries, but the work is really progressing,” Bhatti told proboxing-fans.com.
Having grown up in a country where cricket plays a dominant role, where did Sukheep get the inspiration to try his hand at boxing?
“I remember when I was very youthful, I used to roam around the Sher-E Punjab Sports Academy premises.
“I had an ongoing dispute with one of the boxers who trained there. At that time, I knew only one way to settle the score, and that was a brutal win or loss.
“But one of my trainers found out about my problem with the boxer and told me the only way to resolve the dispute was through professional boxing. I put on gloves, started training every day and never looked back.
Most of them are inspired by large names like Ali, Hagler, Robinson etc. However, Sukhdeep’s lust for boxing came from a more organic source.
“Where I grew up in Punjab, we heard murmurs about ‘this and that’, but boxing and other sports were much less televised and [even less] more is said than in the West.
“There were definitely certain fighting styles that I was more drawn to and enjoyed watching growing up, but I don’t remember anyone really standing out to inspire me to box.
“As primitive and cluttered as it may sound, I have always loved fighting. At first, I was driven by victory. But as I got older, it became more about my passion for art and making a name for myself for my family, friends, my village and my people.
I was curious to hear the middleweight’s opinion on whether India is a potential sleeping giant in boxing, with its passion for the sport and sometimes tough conditions.
“His [boxing] is immense and very competitive for both male and female boxers. The population alone ensures that there will always be very talented fighters.
“The problem is that sports are not a priority, and among the sports that are given some emphasis, combat sports don’t stand a chance. The raw potential is definitely there.
“For example, in Punjab, where agriculture is our livelihood, we come from endless generations of farmers. Therefore, this gene pool is more likely to have a forceful constitution and/or stamina to withstand the most tough occupations and climates. However, resources and priorities do not allow for a good solution to this situation.
“There is potential to satisfy people’s hunger. But if we know that much more is needed, resources are needed! What papers on the cracks [at the moment] these are examples of generosity and love from independent donors. It was the same with me!
“The real question is whether the government will provide further funding and incentives for the health and well-being of its citizens. Let’s hope the necessary changes are made.”
Undefeated and sitting atop the current Boxrec India rankings in pounds, where and who is next for the boxing prince of Punjab?
“I’m focused on myself and training every day. I trust Tyler to be my ‘who’ guy. Of course I could give you a list of headliners and pay-per-view titleholders I’d like to box, but really, this is the basis for me fighting the fight. Tyler just tells me where and when and he knows I’ll be ready.
“Of course it’s great to be undefeated. I feel privileged to be in this position and to have such an amazing team of people behind me. Although my record is impeccable, there are certainly areas that need constant nourishment and improvement.
“In the near future I want to improve and be the best I can be. In the medium term I am hungry for more titles and exposure. I want to leave my mark on boxing! In the long term I want to inspire others who come from developing parts of the world to do the same, where opportunities are meager.
“For me, it’s all about becoming and then, very soon, giving back.”
Author: Adam Noble-Forcey
Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam4cSports
Janibek Alimkhanuly successfully defended his IBF middleweight crown in Sydney, systematically defeating the brave Andrei Mikhailovich, stopping him in the ninth round at The Star.
Janibek came close to stopping Mikhailovich in the second round, but had to wait before crushing him in the ninth round.
Originally, the two teams were supposed to meet in July in Las Vegas, but the undefeated Kazakh could not allow it make weight safelyand the fight had to be postponed one day until fight night.
After a delayed dispute over the WBO belt, only the IBF crown was at stake.
Janibek (16-0, 11 KO) quickly found his advantage, landing paws and body shots in the first minute, and Mikhailovich (21-1, 13 KO) tried to finish the champion.
‘Qazaq Style’ waited patiently for his debut which came in the second half when a perfectly timed shot put the challenger on unsteady feet and as the maestro applied surgical pressure he began to play with the Novel Zealander who was wobbly until another powerful left hand threw it backwards and finally onto the canvas.
It was just right and the minute’s rest came at the right time as Mikhailovich fought brilliantly in the third and fourth quarters, constantly coming forward.
Janibek largely toyed with his opponent and his rival had restricted success, but in round seven he stepped on the gas, landing sturdy combinations.
However, the 26-year-old showed courage, had miniature displays of joy after clubbing, but his race came to an end in the ninth, when Janibek uncorked his customary left uppercut and Mikhailovich moved backwards towards the ropes, the referee rightly stopped the ball contest.
The 31-year-old was frustrated in trying to secure a unification fight, but once again called up WBC champion Carlos Adames and WBA champion Erislandy Lara.
“Adames or Lara, I’m ready anytime,” he told Fox Sports after the fight.
“Send me the document and I will sign it anytime.”
Motu flows from O’Connell
Another undefeated Kiwi got into action as Mea Motu (20-0, 8 KO) warmed up for a shot at the IBF and WBO super bantamweight titles before forcing Shannon O’Connell to withdraw from a corner kick at the end three rounds of their catchweight fight.
The current IBO champion will face Ellie Scotney on October 26 in Manchester, who proved ruthless in several hefty attacks with two fists that broke the bloody O’Connell (24-8-1, 12 KO).
With the Australian having a huge cut and massive swelling on her head, her corner wisely threw in the towel.
Statement made by Mea Motu 😲#nolimitboxing #nolimitfox #janibekmichajłowicz pic.twitter.com/R5fvGVrlrE
— No Limit Boxing (@NoLimit_Boxing) October 4, 2024
Undercard remaining
Lightweight prospect Charlie Kazzi (7-0, 3 KO) won the WBC silver title in Australia, defeating Lui Magaiva (4-7, 1 KO) in the penultimate round of their eight-man bout.
Ahmed Reda (3-0, 3 KO) opened the card and scored his third straight early victory, defeating Joe Kara (5-7-1, 5 KO) in the second of a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.
Unified middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly goes to Australia next Friday, to The Star in Sydney, where he will risk winning the IBF title in a fight with undefeated Up-to-date Zealander Andrei Mikhailovich, although his WBO crown is not at stake.
ESPN+ TV Janibek vs Mikhajłowicz live in the USA, however Heavenly sports broadcast the fight in the UK.
This match was originally scheduled to take place in July in Las Vegas, but the champion was reportedly hospitalized after trying to gain weight and the fight had to be canceled after a delay.
Janibek (15-0, KO10) was promoted from WBO interim champion in 2022 and defeated Denzel Bentley in his first defense.
After knocking out Steven Butler in two rounds, the Kazakhstan added the IBF title to his collection by defeating Vincenzo Gualtieri in six rounds last October.
“Qazaq Style” will now face undefeated Aucklander Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KO), his country’s top amateur who has won multiple free titles but has no professional victories.
The 26-year-old, who holds the IBF Pan Pacific title, has not faced anyone in the Kazakhstan class, and last April he fell before scoring to stop Edison Saltarin in the fifth round.
Mikhailovich was last seen stopping Less Sherrington in the round in April.
Prediction: This could be a miniature night for Janibek, and the guy seems to be out of his league. I think the champion can hold on through a stoppage in the first half of the fight.
Motu meets O’Connell
The undercard features another undefeated Kiwi in action, with Mea Motu taking on Shannon O’Connell in a scheduled top ten super bantamweight bout.
Motu (19-0, 7 KO) is scheduled to win the IBF and WBO titles in three weeks against defending champion Ellie Scotney and cannot afford to slip up in this fight.
“The Night” will bring her IBO title to England, which she won last April on points over Tania Walters.
The 34-year-old defended twice, and in her only fight in 2024 in April, she defeated Noppaket Srisawas in two rounds.
Former Commonwealth champion O’Connell (24-7-1, 12 KO) has fought for two world titles, most recently losing an eighth-round fight for the IBF bantamweight crown against Ebana Bridges in December 2022.
The 41-year-old was last sidelined in May, defeating Siriphon Chanbuala in the second round.
Prediction: Motu’s safety will likely be paramount with such a huge fight on the horizon, and she may score points in this one.
Undercard remaining
Prospective lightweight competitor Charlie Kazzi (6-0, 2 KO) fights for eight rounds for the second time in his career and should have already defeated Lui Magaiva (4-6, 1 KO), and the fighter from Papua Up-to-date Guinea was suspended five times in six defeats.
Wayne Telepe (1-0, 1 KO) can claim his second straight stoppage victory, this time in a scheduled four-round lightweight fight against Bashir Nassir (0-1-1).
Gervonta Davis appears ready for a December return against WBA super featherweight world champion Lamont Roach Jr
Roach Jr will move up in weight to challenge Davis for the WBA lightweight world title after Washington’s request to fight his compatriot was approved.
The WBA announced December 14 as the date for the Davis-Roach fight, although the location of the fight is unknown.
AND statement on the WBA website read: “The World Boxing Championships (WBA) Committee has granted special permission to super featherweight world champion Lamont Roach Jr. move up in class and face Gervonta Davis for the lightweight championship on December 14.
“NoXcuse Boxing Promotions submitted a formal request on September 13, which was accepted by the committee for consideration and consultation with Albert Batyrgaziev’s team, which has a mandatory 130 pounds. pretender.
“After appropriate consideration and based on the organization’s internal policies, it has been decided to grant Roach’s request, subject to certain conditions.”
If Roach dethrones Davis, he will have five days to decide which belt he will keep.
If “The Reaper” loses to the undefeated knockout fighter in Baltimore, he will have to drop down to 130 pounds to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Batyrgaziev.
The 29-year-old has won six straight fights since his lone professional loss to Jamel Herring for the WBO super featherweight world championship in 2019.
Roach once defended his WBA crown, stopping Feargal McCrory in eight rounds in June, and won the belt via split decision. Hector Luis Garciawhom “Tank” stopped in nine rounds.
Davis (29) defended his belt after a stunning knockout in the eighth round Frank Martin in Las Vegas in June and is heavily linked to a unification fight with WBC champion Shakur Stevenson.
The 27-year-old is sidelined with a hand injury and is expected to go straight into a fight with William Zepeda upon his return, ahead of a potential blockbuster against Davis.
Nick Ball stops Ronny Rios in the 10th round and defends his world title
David Adeleye the ‘other’ adolescent HEAVYWEIGHT MONSTER at the Peacock | Frank Warren boxing workout
Paul Smith Jr Reacts To Callum Smith KO Loss To Beterbiev
-
Boxing3 months agoLucas Bahdi ready to test his skills against Ashton Sylve
-
Interviews5 months agoI fell in love with boxing again
-
MMA5 months agoThe Irish showed up in droves at the Mayweather-McGregor weigh-in
-
MMA5 months agoCris Cyborg ready to add a UFC title to her collection
-
UK Boxing5 months agoLeonard Ellerbe ends Eddie Hearn’s feud: I have to agree with him
-
MMA5 months agoMax Holloway is on a mission at UFC 212
-
Video5 months agoFRANK MARTIN NEW MESSAGE TO GERVONTA DAVIS; WARNS HE’LL FRUSTRATE & BOX HIS HEAD OFF
-
MMA5 months agoAmanda Nunes withdraws from UFC 213 title fight