Vijender rises to No 10 in WBO rankings

Vijender Singh broke into the World Boxing Organisation's (WBO) rankings at No 10 after being crowned its Asia Pacific super middleweight champion in Delhi last month.

The Indian boxing star, who beat former WBC European champion Kerry Hope to win the title in a gruelling 10-round contest, is unbeaten since turning professional last year, registering seven straight victories, six of which were knock-outs.

He is placed above rising American star Trevor McCumby, who is also undefeated in the circuit with 22 victories, 17 of them knock-outs.

"It's just the start for me; one day I want to be the No. 1 in the world. That's my dream and I am sure I will achieve it," India's first Olympic and World Championships medal winner in boxing said.

A rung above Vijender is US-based Russian Matt Korobov, who has 26 wins in 27 fights.

Jesse Hart of the United States, the reigning North American Boxing Organisation (NABO) champion, holds the No 1 slot.

The Indian could face Commonwealth champion Luke Blackledge in his next fight.

IMAGE: Vijender Singh celebrates after beating Bulgaria's Samet Hyuseinov in the WBO bout in Manchester on December 20, 2015

Photograph: Dave Thompson/Getty Images