Vijender had to unlearn a few tactics, says his trainer

Beard, who has worked with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Sr besides being the assistant trainer to former world champion Ricky Hatton, detailed Vijender’s rise to the WBO title that was won amid frenzied fans here on Saturday. 

“All his amateur experience has been a huge help for him because he has won on some very big occasions - Olympics, World Championships. By the time he turned pro, he had already learnt to deal with pressure. He was smart and skillful even before he came to me. I have only added to his game, made him think differently,” Beard said.

“I have tried to make him punch harder and harder and use his jab more. His footwork used to slow him down because as an amateur he used to run around in the ring. The main thing he has unlearnt is the footwork from amateur days with regards to running around the ring. It’s no good for a 10-round bout,” he added. 

Beard said another aspect of the Indian’s game he has tried to improve is his defence. “He is more fluent now, there is bit more rhythm. His defence is also so much better now. Now when you see him in the ring, it is not easy to connect to him because he is walking, turning, his defensive jab has improved a lot,” Beard said.