Speaking to IANS, Neeraj said that a boxing match between him and Amir should be planned since sports activities are resuming “slowly” after the Covid-19 pandemic-forced lockdown.

“Whenever he says, wherever he says, I am ready to fight. I can’t wait to see him in the ring. He is a champion boxer and beating him will give me satisfaction. I would want to knock him out in front of the jam-packed sta- dium. I know the organisers (promoters of professional boxing) are concerned with Covid-19 right now. So no problem, they can take their time but they should plan a fight soon,” he said.

“I am sure our fight will boost professional boxing in India. I speak to Amir over the phone on a regular basis. We are friends outside the ring, but inside the ring we are totally different,” Neeraj added.

Earlier this year, Neeraj thrashed New Zealand’s Obedi Maguchi in his first professional showdown in close to a year, in August, after the accident. Goyat prevailed in just two rounds of what was to be a six-round contest.

“It was a great comeback for me. It helped me get back my confidence which got shattered after the accident. I am training at home in Yamuna Nagar and getting myself ready for the fight (as and when planned),” he said.

Neeraj also wished his friend Vikas Krishan well for his upcoming US trip. “He is going there for training. I wish him all the best and I am sure he will win Olympic gold next year. He has that zeal in- side,” he said