Rivals of Akhil, Jitender revealed

The two Olympians will be part of ‘Battleground Asia,’ which will see Vijender Singh in action against Chinese boxer Zulpiker Maimaitiali.

Akhil, 36, will be engaged in a four-round junior welterweight (63kg) contest against Gilchrist, who made his debut in 2010.

Former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Akhil Kumar will take on Ty Gilchrist of Australia, while his old pal Jitender Kumar will meet Thailand’s Thanet Likhitkamporn in their professional boxing debuts in Mumbai on August 5.

The two Olympians will be part of ‘Battleground Asia,’ which will see Vijender Singh in action against Chinese boxer Zulpiker Maimaitiali.

Akhil, 36, will be engaged in a four-round junior welterweight (63kg) contest against Gilchrist, who made his debut in 2010 and has boxed 13 bouts studded with six wins, including two knock-outs.

“It’s my debut and I am concentrating on my training so that I can put up a good show. It’s great that Gilchrist is experienced, people will enjoy our fight. I like challenges,” said Akhil.

Twenty-eight-year-old Jitender, a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist and a World Cup bronze medalist like Akhil, will lock horns with Likhitkamporn in a four-round lightweight (61kg) fight. The Thai made his debut earlier this year where he lost to his rival.

“I am not scared of my opponent. I know I am training well, so I am confident of winning my debut fight,” said Jitender.