In what turned out to be a cracker of a bout, Indian boxing's poster boy Vijender Singh extended his unbeaten run to nine matches after getting the better of his Chinese counterpart Zulpikar Maimaitiali at the National Sports Club of India in Mumbai.

Emerging victorious after a unanimous decision, Vijender did manage to retain his WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title and claim his opponent's WBO Oriental Super Middleweight belt, but it was arguably the toughest and probably the best fight of his professional career.

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The Indian boxer and his camp had spent the last few days firing verbal volleys at the Chinese boxer. Vijender himself had boasted of how he would knockout his rival soon before saying that “Chinese products don't last very long.” But, this Chinese product didn't just last long, rather he almost gave a scare to Vijender.

The home star and crowd favourite was down on the floor at least five times, his nose was bleeding and he had endured a couple of low blows. Yet, Vijender somehow managed to topple his aggressive opponent before drawing the scores of 96-93, 95-94, 95-94 in his favour.

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The Chinese southpaw was on the offensive right from the star. He consistently managed to land his punches and trouble the Indian throughout the fight. While it was a brilliant showing from the 23-year-old, Vijender appeared drained and bloodied by the end of the seventh round.

It was a brilliant spectacle for the crowd who surely got enough excitement for the money they spent. Vijender's victory attracted plaudits from all corners of the country. From cricketer Virender Sehwag to actor Amitabh Bachchan, celebrities showered praise on the Olympian for his latest achievement.

Tough match this,but congrats @boxervijender .Enjoyed Hakka Noodles while watching ur fight & you made Chinese Hakka Bakka#BattleGroundAsia pic.twitter.com/6nlcX92MHM

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 5, 2017

Congratulations my brother  @boxervijender!! Sabash shera ð#BattleGroundAsia. Keep rocking

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 5, 2017

T 2507 - à¤à¥à¤¤ à¤à¤ !! भारत नॠà¤à¥à¤¨ à¤à¥ दॠमारा !! Vijendra beats China opponent to keep his title !! A slug fest but WE won ! Congratulations ! pic.twitter.com/qbd5n6HPdd

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) August 5, 2017

Congratulations to @boxervijender for the great win. Chinese met a grand defeat in Mumbai and same will happen in Doklam #BattleGroundAsia pic.twitter.com/d7kwncuvgQ

— Swami Ramdev (@yogrishiramdev) August 5, 2017

It was like a #MohammadAli vs #Tyson in styles of fighting..very well fought my brother @boxervijender..retains the title #BattleGroundAsia pic.twitter.com/aXHhrEr9au

— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) August 5, 2017

Congratulations @boxervijender on yet another victory. Looked like the best match of your pro-boxing career. Superbly done#BattleGroundAsia

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 5, 2017