Former amateur star Vijender Singh saw his ambitions tumble after a five-round humbling by unsung Russian Artysh Lopsan on the rooftop of the Majestic Pride Casino ship on the waters of the Mandovi River in Panaji, India, on Friday night.
Despite his star quality in India, Singh’s career has lacked momentum after originally turning pro with Frank Warren on the Terry Flanagan vs Diego Magdaleno undercard in October 2015. He subsequently joined US promotional giants Top Rank but that career move also petered out for the 2008 Olympic bronze medallist.
Out of action since November 2019, Singh’s ring rust was immediately evident and the 35-year-old was labouring with the pace after a few rounds. Super-middleweight Lopsan (5-1-1, 3 KOs) arrived with ambition and his height and workrate quickly left Singh toiling.
Unable to slip the approaching artillery, a fading Singh (12-1, 8 KOs) was eventually saved on his feet in the fifth round to the disappointment of the home crowd.
Main image: Times of India.