After his successful debut in the pro boxing circuit, Olympian Jitender Kumar is confident of achieving more success in the future.
"I have recently turned Pro and my first bout went well and I guarantee that my future matches would also be enjoyed by viewers," said a confident Kumar on the sidelines of an event to launch KD Jadhav Memorial Wrestling Challenge being organised by wrestler Sangram Singh.
While avoiding a direct comment on the recently concluded Super Boxing league (SBl), the 2006 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist was of the opinion that the new ventures in both pro and amateur boxing are going to help youngsters achieve greater name recognition.
"I can't say much about SBl and I also don't know much about it. Amateur boxing itself is a great platform. A boxer should first excel in amateur circuit and then he can get involved with events like SBl or even turn professional. Only those who do well in amateur can be successful and entertaining as pro boxers," asserted the 29-year old pugilist.
On the question of the differences between amateur and pro boxing, he gave a simple yet insightful explanation: "Because of having played World Series Boxing (WSB), I had gained knowledge of pro boxing. Basically boxing is about throwing punches and receiving them, that remains the same in all formats. Its only strength and stamina that is required in greater quantity in pro boxing due to their being more rounds. Those are the areas in which we have to improve, rest stays the same."
The Beijing Olympics quarterfinalist also stressed the need for Indian pugilists to make a mark in the pro boxing circuit.
"Boxers in countries like USA and UK, once they make a mark in amateur boxing, move into professional circuit. We are also following the same route. Indians should make a mark in pro boxing in the same way that they have done in amateur arena. Its pro boxers like Floyd Mayweather who are the popular ones, whereas amateur boxers don't have the same kind of name recognition. If we start doing well in pro boxing, our performance in the amateur boxing would also improve," he explained.
He was also full of praise for the new ventures being launched in sports like the KD Jadhav challenge.
"The benefit of leagues and events like this is that they are increasing the popularity of boxing just as similar leagues in other sports have increased their popularity. Boxers are now getting the kind of recognition that was earlier only reserved for cricketer," the lad from Bhiwani added.
The man behind the event, Sangram Singh, on being asked about the inspiration for the challenge replied: "When I went to other countries like England and USA, I saw how different wrestling was packaged and made attractive for the viewers. That's when I decided to launch a competition like this.
"We would be organizing similar events in other parts of the country as well in the coming months."
The event is named after India's first individual Olympic medalist KD Jadhav who won a bronze in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.