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A pre-match boxing press conference has its own rituals. Trash talking takes precedence over any discussion concerning the bout, and what a cynic would term best as drama takes centrestage for the applause and laughter of those in attendance.
As Vijender Singh and former super middleweight world champion Francis Cheka warmed up to the media in front of them, each statement – or taunt levied at each other -was like a jab full of fury. “It’s the nature of the sport. It’s not for the timid. Here, individuals need to express themselves to the fullest,” Jagdish Singh, who had coached Vijender in the early stages of his amateur career, told.
The theatrics, like the two contestants on stage, were larger than life. “I feel sorry for the people of India for inviting me for the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title fight. I call you all to get ashamed on December 17,” the 34-year-old Tanzanian, lacking the confidence to speak in English, relayed through his manager. While he spoke in Swahili with little emotion, the translated message came with an enviable voice modulation and a clenched fist, reminiscent of Freddie Mercury’s performance of ‘We are the champions’ at Wembley Stadium in 1985.
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