Indian boxing star Vijender Singh is now the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight Champion and we couldn’t be more proud. He won against Kerry Hope on Saturday. RJ Malishka was at the stadium doing some kickass commentary and told us all about the experience. Malishka aka Mumbai Ki Rani is definitely taking over the world – one cool thing at a time.
What was it?
This is pro-boxing’s debut in India. The big thing was that it’s a title match. Whoever won it had a huge chance to go ahead and do great things. Basically Vijju will now make it to the top 15 of the WBO ranking. This means big things for him!
Why it was important…
What’s also happened because of this is… Haryana’s Bhiwani, which is known as Mini Cuba, because there are 500 boxers there alone. Vijju is one of their shining stars obviously. This is a big deal for the sport at large because so many of the new boxers now will get a chance.
Mary Kom <3
Mary Kom was so excited. Two girls from her academy also fought – one was 16, one was 22. It was a really great night. There were lots of stars in attendance.
Yuvi’s future plans…
I was sitting next to Yuvraj Singh. I turned around and asked him how he’s enjoying the match. He told me “This is very good. Pehle maine nahin dekha hai, but ab jab maine dekha hai, mujhe lagta hai ki…” I thought he was going to say he will now watch more of it, but he said “Mujhe lagta hai ki main bhi ring mein utar jaun.”
Kiss kiss…
Kerry was getting beaten up like mad. I kissed him in the end!
Host swag on…
I was hosting the pre-match bout with Charu and Mary Kom, and then with Randeep Hooda and Suresh Raina. I loved the experience. I am so grateful that Star Sports took the leap of faith with me and gave me this super fun opportunity. They said ‘She can talk, she can handle live TV, she can interview people’! And it’s not very technical. It was supposed to be the fun side of boxing.
Vijju vs Kerry…
The thing is that Vijender hasn’t fought a bout that has lasted more than 6 rounds. This was his first 10 round bout. Kerry has fought these kinds of matches before in his 12-year-old career. Out of 30 matches, he’s won 23. When you know this information, you think why would Vijju have the balls to take him on? But then you realise, he’s younger, he’s practised more, he is on fire…
The earpiece…
You know what happens there? There’s an earpiece in my ear constantly! Because it’s live – they’ve to cut through stuff, they’ve to put stuff on television – so they’re constantly feeding you. Constant chatter in your ear! Ten things are happening, plus you’ve to pay attention what’s been said to you, plus keep track of the earpiece, plus maintain conversation… it’s crazy! Sometimes they’re giving you instructions like ’40 seconds more, Malishka’ when you’re about to wrap. So you’ve to just figure it out! It’s a whole different level of live!
Cheap thrills…
My zone is to have fun. By the team I spoke to Randeep and Suresh Raina, I was completely in form. It was my game! The other thing about live is ‘Kuch bhi ho sakta hai’ – that’s the thrilling part of it.
Underdog Vijju…
Vijender was the underdog. When the match started, people didn’t think this will last till 10 bouts. It’s tough for both people and Vijender is famous for his knockouts. All in all, Vijender is an ameteur boxer. He had to change his style for this one!
Aww…
I spoke to Vijender two days before the match. He was full ‘Usko pata hai na, main itna maartaa hoon!’ When I asked him his signature move he went all ‘Main bata dunga toh woh samajh jaega, Malishka!’ Then on the phone when I told him I am gonna be there to host (I do know him from before), he was so excited – it was amazing!