New Delhi: Amid the buzz at the biggest professional boxing event organised in India to date, India's boxing legend MC Mary Kom couldn't hide her disappointment at not being able to qualify for the Rio Olympics and apologised to the nation. Speaking before the much-awaited title fight between India's Vijender Singh and Australia's Kerry Hope, the bronze medallist from the 2012 London Olympics graced the ring at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex here, along with Indian cricketer Suresh Raina. "I am sorry I couldn't qualify for the Olympics, but I thank each and every one of you present here for supporting boxing and making it popular," said the champion from Mizoram. Mary Kom failed to win a quota in the qualifiers, after which India's request for a wild card for her was turned down. The gala event in the capital saw a host of other celebrities sitting beside the ring. Among them were reality show stars Ranvijay, Raghu and Rajiv apart from Bollywood celebrities Randeep Hooda and Neha Dhupa. Also present on the occasion was newly-appointed Sports Minister, Vijay Goel. But the crowd reserved the biggest cheer for former India batsman and Vijender's long-time friend Virender Sehwag. The fight between Vijender and Hope has been promoted as 'Return of the Singh' because it was the first time since 2010 that the bronze medallist from the 2008 Beijing Olympics was boxing in India. Vijender's last appearance in the boxing ring on home soil was during the Commonwealth Games in Delhi six years ago. Going into Saturday's fight, Vijender, who turned professional a year ago, held a formidable record of 6-0. boxing boxing news mary kom rio 2016

Briefcase

1
Vijender won his first professional title on Saturday

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He defeated Australia's Kerry Hope to clinch WBO Asia Pacific title

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I never thought that the fight will go this long (into the 10th round): Vijender

Thyagaraj Complex in New Delhi was roaring. Among the crowd were celebrated sports stars, revered politicians and thousands who had braved the rain in the capital city to watch Vijender Singh battle for his maiden professional title.

Most of them, who had watched Vijender demolish opponents with little effort on television sets, were witnessing the action live. But it wasn't as easy for VIjender as it was in his previous six fights.

Several celebrities cheered for @boxervijender from the stands! #SinghvsHopepic.twitter.com/NS82tbnGpG

— IOS Boxing (@IOSBoxing) July 16, 2016
Vijender was made to sweat by his opponent Kerry Hope on Saturday. He missed a couple of punches and almost slipped. But he wasn't willing to relent against the spirited 34-year-old. The Beijing Olympics bronze medalist prevailed in a 10-round battle against Hope to clinch the WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight title. The crowd went berserk. Vijender was flaunting his belt to the passionate crowd despite being worn out.