Vijender Singh won the WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight belt after overpowering Kerry Hope in a 10-round contest at the Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi late Saturday.

Coming into the match with an all-knockout record in six matches, Vijender was hopeful of an encore in front of a partisan crowd. However, a resolute opponent in Hope clung on despite being dominated all through as the judges came up with a unanimous decision in the end.

The scorecards read 98-92, 98-92, 100-90 as the local favourite broke into tears on the announcement.

Known for his power-punching, Vijender started cautiously against an evenly-watchful Hope. He, however, started to unleash his power as the bout progressed, landing a few big ones while dodging wild swings from his southpaw Australian opponent, who fumbled on a number occasions but managed to avoid a stoppage.

“I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the love that you have showered upon me. Hope today is a beginning of something special,” tweeted Vijender (7-0), who now breaks into the Top 15 of the world rankings and gets a chance to vie for bigger belts.