As tensions between China and India escalate, two boxers go head-to-head in Mumbai to determine the ‘king of Asia’

Undefeated Indian boxer Vijender Singh (8-0) takes on China’s top-ranked super-middleweight Zulipikar Maimaitiali (8-0-1) in Mumbai on Saturday night with the WBO Asia-Pacific and Oriental super middleweight titles on the line, and the Indian is using the political dispute to drum-up interest in “Battleground Asia”, which could pave the way for a world title shot down the line.

“There is more responsibility [than pressure] because it is India versus China and right now the situation is bad,” Singh said. “I would say it is kind of a responsibility.”

The controversial 31-year-old, who is eyeing opportunities in the UK and US if he manages to overcome 23-year-old Maimaitiali, is taking every opportunity to downplay the threat from his opponent while jabbing away at his Chinese nationality.

“If I get a chance, I will take him down. I don’t have to play the 10 rounds. I will try to knock him down by the fourth or fifth round,” he said.

Singh, a bronze medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has won seven of his eight fights by knockout and claims his Chinese opponent won’t last long.