A packed programme will feature eight bouts with plenty of Indian interest

Trainer Lee Beard says Vijender Singh’s experience in pacing a bout would be the Indian boxer’s main advantage on Saturday night in his 10-round WBO super-middleweight bout against Zulpikar Maimaitiali, with two WBO titles at stake.

The Chinese pugilist’s trainer Julian Howell, though, says he is confident about his charge’s preparations.

Typical scene

Vijender, who will attempt to defend his WBO Asia Pacific title, and Maimaitiali, holder of the WBO Oriental belt, went through the drama of the official weigh-in on Friday, eye-balling each other with clenched fists for the cameras. With the weight limit at 76.2kg, the Indian weighed in at 76kg, and his rival at 75.9kg.

“Vijender’s all-round experience will make the difference. He knows how to pace himself and use his boxing brain. Otherwise, an Olympic medal would not have happened. Maimaitiali fights at the same pace; we watched videos. He is young and ambitious to defend his belt,” said Beard, who had worked with Vijender at his training base in Manchester.

Howell said: “I am from England, and I know Vijender’s trainers, sparring partners and the type of preparation [he has had]. We have more information about Vijender than he has on Zulpikar.”

Maimaitiali’s subdued presence so far is in contrast with Vijender’s exuberance ahead of what will be his first pro fight in Mumbai.

“I am hungry after fasting to keep my bodyweight within limits. I also had two sessions, and am looking forward to eating after the weigh-in. You will feel the force behind my punches in the ring,” declared the Indian.

This will be the 23-year-old Maimaitiali’s first fight outside China; he has had a bout in Macau, though.

Saturday’s night main fight will see the winner bagging both belts.

Seven bouts will lead up to the feature event, featuring the Indian sensation before what is bound to be a partisan crowd, and a young Chinese eager to make his mark far away from home.

The evening will see Neeraj Goyat looking to defend his WBC Asia welterweight title against the Philippines’ Allan “The Leopard” Tanada.

Junior welterweight Akhil Kumar and lightweight Jitender Kumar will both make their pro debuts.

The schedule:

Super Bantamweight: Larry Abwarra v Asad Asif. Lightweight: Kuldeep Dhanda v Sachin Bhot. Cruiserweight: Dharmendra Grewal v Isaac Slade. Welterweight: Pardeep Kharera v Wanphichit Siriphana. Lightweight: Jitender Kumar v Thanet Likhitkamporn. Junior welterweight: Akhil Kumar v Ty Gilchrist. Welterweight: Neeraj Goyat v Allan Tanada.

Super middleweight: Vijender Singh v Zulpikar Maimaitiali