The 29-year-old, who scripted history as an amateur by becoming India's first Olympic and World Championships medallist, is all set to begin a new chapter in his illustrious boxing career.
In his debut middleweight pro bout, the strapping six-footer faces a cocky opponent in Whiting, who has promised to put him "through hell". The 26-year-old from Rochester is three-bouts old in the circuit and has a 2-1 win-loss record.
"I am totally focussed and waiting for the right moment to reply in the ring. I am not at all bothered by his comments. I will reply with my punches," Vijender said on the eve of the bout.
Vijender, who signed up with Queensberry Promotions in July, is not the first Indian to enter the professional arena with the likes of Gurcharan Singh and Pradeep Sihag having been a regular in the circuit earlier. However, never before has an Indian boxer's professional debut generated this kind of hype.
The Haryana-lad would be walking in to a couple of thumping Punjabi songs -- 'Singh is King' and 'Singh is Bling' -- and would look to make sure that the music keep playing at the end of the four round that he will fight tomorrow.
"I am looking forward to a winning start. I am not under any pressure, I am taking this as a responsibility. My performance in professional boxing will open new hopes for young Indian boxers. I am eagerly waiting to enter the ring against Sonny. My strategy is to go in and hit very hard," he said.