Indian boxers’ jinx in pro circuit continues with Goyat

Kolkata, June 26 (IANS): With a car accident ruling Neeraj Goyat out of the much touted clash against Pakistani-origin British boxer Amir Khan at next month’s WBC Pearl World Championship bout in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the story of Indian boxers getting jinxed continues unabated.

Star boxer Vijender Singh’s much-awaited professional debut in the USA, scheduled for April 12, also got delayed after he injured himself during a sparring session in Los Angeles in March.

Likewise, Goyat picked up severe injuries on his head during the car accident while returning home after training, according to a statement and will miss out on what he felt was supposed to be the biggest test of his career.

Like Vijender, who was in the prime of his powers before picking up the injury, Goyat is the WBC Asia welterweight titleholder and has a record of 11 wins including two knockouts, three losses and two draws till date.

Neeraj was set to take on Khan, a two-time world champion, in the WBC Pearl World Championship bout in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 12.

Vijender is so far unbeaten in his 10-bout pro career and claimed the WBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title during his stint with England. The celebrated Indian turned professional in 2015.