An impressive seven knock-outs out of eight bouts under his belt, star Indian boxer Vijender Singh today (31) said he is aiming for another "early finish" when he faces WBO Oriental super middleweight champion Zulpikar Maimaitiali of China in Mumbai on Saturday (5).
Saturday's "Battleground Asia" fight night will give both the boxers a chance to claim double titles in a winner-takes- all show.
While Vijender is the current WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight champion, Zulpikar is the WBO Oriental Super Middleweight champion and whoever wins Saturday's fight will claim the twin titles.
"Just pray for me. I will try my 100 per cent for another knock-out. I will try to finish the bout as early as possible," a confident Vijender told reporters on the sidelines of an event where he was named the brand ambassador of Platinum Heavy Duty Cement.
"But you never know with the Chinese. Chinese products are not known to last long," the Beijing Olympics bronze- medallist said in jest.
Nine years younger to Vijender, the Chinese no.1 boxer has age on his side and he made his intentions clear when he said that he was training 10 hours a day to upset the Indian.
Asked about the age factor, Vijender said it will be experience which will matter in the professional circuit.
"I don't think age matters because it's all about experience. I still feel like 20 although I have crossed 30," Vijender said.
"I don't know much about Zulpikar. I searched his profile in Wikipedia but didn't get any significant results. I saw his fight on TV just once but now I have asked my trainer to take that responsibility and train me accordingly."
Talking about the coveted World Championship title, Vijender said he is in no mood to hurry things and would like to achieve one goal at a time.
"It will take time. We are going slowly. My coach always tells me one thing that choose the right fight at the right time. I am happy with the way I am doing right now," he said.
"After here, my next fight will definitely be out of the country in either Dubai, UK or US."
In May earlier this year, Vijender had terminated his contract with the UK-based Queensberry Promotions, complaining that the company failed to deliver on its obligations in the last one year.
But the Indian boxer said he has got back with Queensberry as a freelancer and he is ready to join hands with anyone who will bring fights for him.
"Queensberry is still there but we are ready to work with everyone be it in UK, US or Europe. If you bring fights we are ready to work with anyone," Vijender said.
People sing songs and cheer in Hostages Square, after it was announced that all living hostages had been released and arrived back in Israel on October 13, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel.(Photo: Getty Images)
Hamas hands over remaining Israeli hostages under Trump-brokered ceasefire
Trump arrives in Israel, says Gaza war is “over” as deal takes effect
Nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners to be released
Global leaders to meet in Egypt to discuss post-war stability
HAMAS on Monday handed over its remaining Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza for transfer to the Israeli military, an official involved in the operation told Reuters.
The handover marked a key step in ending two years of war in Gaza under a ceasefire deal brokered by United States president Donald Trump, who arrived in Israel to address its parliament.
As he entered the Knesset, Trump said the Palestinian militant group Hamas would comply with a provision under his plan requiring it to disarm, though the group has ruled this out.
Speaking to reporters before his address, Trump replied “yes” when asked if Gaza’s war was over.
Hostages reunited with families
As thousands gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Israel’s military said it had received seven living hostages after their transfer from Gaza by the Red Cross.
“I am so excited. I am full of happiness. It's hard to imagine how I feel this moment. I didn't sleep all night,” said Viki Cohen, mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, as she travelled to Reim, the Israeli military camp where the hostages were taken.
Initial photographs of six of the freed hostages distributed by the Israeli military showed them standing.
The military said Red Cross representatives were on their way to receive the remaining 13 confirmed living hostages, who were also expected to be released on Monday.
Bodies of some of the 26 dead hostages, and two others whose fate is unknown, will also be released, along with nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners held in Israel.
The releases are part of the first phase of the ceasefire accord agreed last week in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Trump and more than 20 other world leaders are meeting there later on Monday to discuss next steps aimed at broader Middle East stability.
The Gaza conflict began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli figures. Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults since then have killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, Gaza’s health officials said.
Leaders meet to discuss lasting peace
In Gaza, about a dozen masked and armed men, apparently from Hamas’ military wing, arrived at Nasser Hospital where preparations were underway to welcome returning Palestinian prisoners.
“I hope that these images can be the end to this war. We lost friends and relatives, we lost our houses and our city,” said Emad Abu Joudat, 57, a father of six from Gaza City, watching the handover on his phone.
The United States mediated the agreement with Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. The next phase of the deal includes an international body called the “Board of Peace,” to be led by Trump.
Progress toward lasting peace will depend on global commitments that may be discussed at Monday’s summit, but key details remain unresolved.
Outstanding issues include governance of Gaza after the conflict and the future of Hamas, which has rejected Israel’s demand to disarm.
The group’s public appearance on Monday at Nasser Hospital highlighted the challenges of addressing Israeli concerns over Hamas’ continued control of Gaza, which it has ruled since 2007.
Other disputes include the extent of Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and moves toward a Palestinian state, which many Israelis oppose.
Trump addresses Knesset
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greeted Trump at the airport as Air Force One landed, and accompanied him by limousine as a band played.
Trump will be the fourth US president to address the Knesset, following Jimmy Carter in 1979, Bill Clinton in 1994 and George W Bush in 2008.
Two years of conflict
Two years of war have left Gaza in ruins, with nearly all of its 2.2 million residents displaced. The conflict has also widened regional tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Yemen’s Houthis.
Near Israel’s Reim camp, where the hostages were being taken to hospitals, people lined the road waving Israeli flags marked with yellow ribbons and the Star of David.
The family of hostage Matan Angrest thanked Trump for his role in securing his return. “We can breathe again. Our Matan is home!” they said.
At Israeli prisons, 1,968 Palestinian detainees boarded buses, most bound for Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, an official said.
Most of those released are Gazans detained during the war, along with 250 prisoners convicted of or suspected of involvement in deadly attacks.
Hamas’ armed wing said it remained committed to the deal, provided Israel also adheres to the agreed terms.
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said on X that Israel had approved additional emergency aid deliveries, while UNRWA, the U.N. agency operating in Gaza, urged Israel to allow it to work without restrictions.
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