POKER

Skill Meets Brawn In PokerBaazi Boxing Match

WORDS BY DONNA AMO

While the offshore casinos in Goa are usually famous for their glitzy atmosphere, poker rooms, and slot machines, the Majestic Pride Casino had a little more in store for its guests. The rooftop of the casino on the evening of 19 March, 2021 was filled with spectators and celebrities for the highly anticipated boxing event titled ‘Battle On Ship 2021.’ Sponsored by PokerBaazi, one of the top poker brands in the country, the event was all set to welcome Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh into the boxing ring.

PokerBaazi’s association with Singh goes way back in time. Singh was first brought on board as the brand ambassador in 2018. PokerBaazi has always supported homegrown talent and Battle On Ship 2021 was very much for the same. Singh’s highly successful career in boxing has caught the attention of many enthusiastic sports fans in the country. Likewise, the brand also wanted to draw attention to the skill involved in poker through this association.

Navkiran Singh, Founder and CEO of Baazi Games commented on this partnership saying, “We are glad to support the Battle On Ship 2021 event as their associate sponsors. At PokerBaazi, it is our primary endeavour to promote poker as a game of skill. Just like poker, the sport of boxing involves tremendous strategy and talent. This partnership is a testament to our commitment towards promoting competition and skill amongst professional players as well as passionate gaming fans.”

Vijender Singh also commented saying, “It’s an honour to be associated with PokerBaazi, a brand that has always tried to promote skill-based gaming in India. I was associated with the brand in the past and couldn’t be happier about this reunion.” ‘Battle On Ship 2021’ is the first Las Vega style event of its kind held in India.

Promoted by IOS Boxing Promotions, the night saw 12 top Indian boxers battle it out in six undercard fights. Vijender Singh was pitted against the Russian super-middleweight boxer, Artysh Lopsan. The boxing match was a comeback for Singh post his one-year break from professional boxing.