In the build-up to Vijender Singh’s debut on the professional circuit, his opponent Sony Whiting had this to say: “I hear that Singh is a massive superstar in India, well I'll be looking to send a brutal message back to his home when I beat him."

Singh was unperturbed and he said he would answer in the ring. And answer he did. In fine style.

The 29-year old made his way to the Manchester Arena, draped in the Indian tri-colour amidst bhangra playing the background and ensured his punches did the talking. After starting off a tad cautiously in the first round, Singh unleashed a combination of left-right jabs to take the upper hand. Whiting put up a good fight, flailing his arms and trying to defend, but Singh showed deft footwork to close in and land some telling blows.

The winning moment came in the third round after a despairing flurry of throws from Whiting. Singh’s experience of many years in amateur boxing served him in good stead as he administered a barrage of blows. The referee stepped in and awarded the contest to Singh on a technical knockout.

The Olympic medallist’s decision to give up amateur boxing to turn professional had created a major furore. Singh being one of India’s most high-profile boxing icons, expectations around his professional debut were sky-high. There were plenty of question marks over whether he could adjust to the professional circuit after spending his entire career as an amateur.

His first bout and first victory show he can indeed adjust. The amateur world will miss him, but Vijender Singh is certainly hoping to blaze a new trail on the professional circuit.