Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender Singh, the country’s most celebrated boxer, on Monday bid adieu to his amateur career by turning professional, ruling himself out of next year’s Olympics as he no longer remains eligible to represent India.
The biggest name in Indian boxing by a mile after he became the first to bag an Olympic medal — the 29-year-old signed a multi-year agreement with Queensberry Promotions through IOS Sports and Entertainment, that will see the middleweight fight a minimum of six times in the first year.
“I’m excited to turn pro and looking forward to the new chapter of my life. I want to train hard and perform for my country at the global level. IOS will be managing my pro boxing career along with Queensbury Promotions with broadcaster BoxNation. My immediate goal will be to work hard and make a good boxing record in the next year or so,” Vijender said at a press conference.
Vijender’s professional plunge means he would not be representing India at the Olympics and national coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu has said that it is bad news for the team overall.
“But he is an individual and he is free to decide his career. He must have thought (of) something,” Sandhu said.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) rules on boxers joining professional leagues other than the ones promoted by AIBA clearly state that they become ineligible for amateur competitions.
Francis Warren, heads of Queensberry Promotions — a leading boxing promoter in the UK, said Vijender has it in him to script history in the pro circuit.
“I’m very excited to have brought such a talented and determined individual over to the UK and can’t wait to see what Vijender is capable of doing in the professional ranks after achieving so much as an amateur,” he said.
“After spending the past week with him in Manchester, there is no doubt in my mind that he has what it takes to be a very successful professional boxer, not only due to his undoubted natural talent, but also due to his drive and focus.
“He has a clear idea of what he wants to achieve and I am over the moon that he will be doing that with Queensberry Promotions and BoxNation,” he added.
The 29-year-old from Haryana will now base himself in Manchester, England, under renowned trainer lee Beard, who has previously worked with British boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
Stating that the move marks a new chapter in his career, Vijender said after competing in three Olympics he now aims to prove a point on international stage.
“I have played three Olympics and did my best and won bronze. I want to prove that Indian boxers can do well in pro boxing as well. It is still all about the nation,” he said. “It’s a new beginning and I want to represent my country at an international level. It is great to be in the UK. I am ready to work and train hard and give my best to this new chapter of my life. My immediate goal will be to work hard and make a good boxing record in the next year or so,” Vijender added.
‘We’ve lost a medal prospect’
Mumbai: Former Boxing India Secretary Jay Kowli feels that the country has lost a good medal prospect at next year’s Rio Olympics.
“I feel India’s mission for the Rio Olympics has lost a good prospect. He’s an extraordinary boxer who has survived for three Olympics which speaks volumes of his fitness,” said Kowli.
“It must be a very sound business decision. He’s not new to business deals, contracts etc.. I am sure he must have gauged all that and taken that step. If he’s going for a very big deal, then I am happy for him,” said Kowli about the 2008 Olympic bronze medal winner’s decision to cross the line.
“This reaction is based on the limited information that we are learning from the news. I know nothing about his contract details,” he explained.
“At the same time it feels sad. I was expecting him to qualify for Olympics, looking at his fitness and intelligence as a boxer. Surviving in boxing in three Olympics is a great achievement in itself. Even at london, reaching the quarter finals was not easy. I was counting him in. He and (2012 london Games bronze winner) Mary Kom have repeatedly proved their critics wrong. Every time people would say that they are finished they will come back with something,” said Kowli.
Vijender’s decision has left a hole in Indian boxing, said Kowli, adding there were other talents in the country too.
“Of course we have a lot of talent in India but yes, it will certainly create a void for some time. Other hungry, starry eyed boxers can look for this slot.
“Stories of Vijender, Akhil Kumar, Manoj Kumar, Mary and Sarita Devi doing well will encourage so many boxers to come forward. Boxing has penetrated deep. It only needs good management, that’s all.”
I am shocked: National coach Sandhu
New Delhi: Taken aback by star boxer Vijender Singh’s decision to turn professional, national coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu said the Olympic bronze-medallist’s services would be sorely missed at the amateur level.
“It is really very surprising for me. I am in a state of shock because I never expected this would happen,” Sandhu said after Vijender announced his decision to turn pro in london.
“But obvisouly, he must have given some thought to the idea and decided accordingly. At the end of the day, it is his career,” he said.
Sandhu said Vijender would be missed.
“He is an excellent teammate, motivates others, and is friendly guy. His presence would certainly be missed. I don’t know how the boys will react to this news. It is truly very shocking,” Sandhu said.