Vijender, Catterall among top boxers to clash in Dubai

England’s WBO world no.1 Jack Catterall clashes with highly-ranked German Timo Schwarzkopf, while the leading light of Indian boxing Vijender Singh is also in action at the top of a glitzy bill — live on ESPN+ in the US in association with Top Rank and on iFL TV worldwide.

With another sell-out crowd expected for the huge RotundaRumble2 card at the D4G event in association with MTK Global and Round 10 Boxing at Caesars Palace, Bluewaters DXB, undefeated Catterall is eager to tee up his long-anticipated world title shot with the eyes of the world on a unique setting.

Besides Vijender, the fans in Dubai are set to be entertained by a host of international boxing stars at RotundaRumble2 which is scheduled to be held at Caesars palace on Nov.22.

Catterall (24-0, 13 KOs) said: “This will be a special, special night. I’ve been tuning into the Dubai shows and the amount of nationalities involved is incredible. I’m proud to be representing my country on this bill.

“It says so much about the diversity in boxing and the enthusiasm for the sport around the world that these shows are getting attention on a big platform. You’ve got people from places literally in all four corners of the globe tuning in.

“Most people already know about Vijender Singh and he’s an absolute superstar in India. I think on the last show in Dubai there were fighters from 13 different countries or something on the bill. It’s like an international boxing festival! “From my own perspective, I can’t wait to showcase myself and like most on the bill, I’ll be looking to steal the show. I’ve been within touching distance of my world title shot for some time and I know I have to keep looking good, unfortunately for Schwarzkopf…”

Vijender, who is already 11-0, 8 KOs and eyeing the world stage, said: “I’m ready for fighting in Dubai next month. Currently I am training working hard with my trainer Lee Beard in Manchester.

“For me these fights are going to be a build up to the world title which I am aiming for in 2020. I am sure my debut fight in Dubai is going to be an exciting one and looking forward to a knockout win in the early rounds.” D4G Promotions head Ahmed A Seddiqi is understandably enthused by the prospect of hosting another historic event after September’s sold-out Rotunda Rumble show.

Seddiqi said: “This is a great story for Dubai and the people and fans are proud to be hosting such an inclusive event. We look forward to welcoming fighters from all over the world here again.

“The great thing about this show is you will have warriors from many different countries but not just for the sake of it; some of these fighters are operating at the very top of the sport already and there are two clear examples in Jack and Vijender, who will go on to fight for world titles as soon as 2020.

“Our message regarding these shows is clear: boxing is a global sport and belongs to everybody. We want to bring the best fighters, the best fights and the greatest experiences for everyone to Dubai and for the boxing scene here to continue its meteoric rise.” Stay tuned for further announcements of fights and fighters on the bill.

Meanwhile, Vijender also wants to have fight with Amir Khan.

The professional fight between the two may still be uncertain but the verbal volleys between the two seem unceasing.

“Stop fighting children, I am ready for a bout,” Indian boxing ace Vijender fresh from his 11th straight pro win, challenged British star Amir Khan last month.

Khan, the British boxer of Pakistan origin, has expressed a desire to lock horns with Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender a number of times but the bout has not materialised yet.

During the announcement of his last bout, Khan had also claimed that Vijender was scared of him. Replying to his challenge, the Haryana-boxer said it was Khan who picked juniors to fight against.

“I am ready to fight with Amir. He picked a junior boxer to fight. Neeraj Goyat is way junior to me. I had said before and I am saying it again I am ready to fight whenever he tells me to. He should stop fighting kids,” Vijender said on the sidelines of a felicitation event organised by Platinum Heavy Duty Cement.

A bout between the two prolific boxers may, however, be a long shot as Khan competes in the welterweight category (63.5kg-66.7kg) while Vijender contests in the super middleweight division (73kg-76kg) but the Indian was quick to come up with a solution for the problem.