New Delhi: Star boxer Vijender Singh will face the most accomplished opponent of his professional career when he defends his WBO super middleweight Asia-Pacific title against former world and current intercontinental champion Francis Cheka of Tanzania here on December 17.

The 34-year-old Tanzanian is a veteran of 43 fights with 32 wins including 17 knockouts and has tested himself against top super-middleweight talent including WBA world champion Fedor Chudinov from Russia and WBC international champion Matthew Mecklin from UK.

Cheka has 300 rounds under his belt in the 16 years of his career compared to Vijender’s 27 and has no fear fighting in India.

Cheka was formerly a WBF world champion.

Vijender, on the other hand, is undefeated in his seven-fight career including six knockouts so far.

Vijender claimed his first title at the Thyagaraj Stadium in July this year against Australia’s Kerry Hope.

Vijender said, “Cheka is a highly experienced boxer, he has many bouts under his belt, but none of this demotivates me. I am hoping for another win.”