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One of India’s most successful amateur boxers, Vijender Singh, made the decision to turn professional recently. He gave an interview to BoxNation where he talked on a variety of topics.
When asked why he decided to launch his professional career in Great Britain, Vijender called Britain the “mecca” of boxers and pointed out Amir Khan as one of the talented boxers he admires.
The interviewer from BoxNation asked him what prompted him to go pro and not try his luck for the gold medal at the 2016 Olympics. He replied, “I am the only Indian boxer to have represented India thrice. But, I thought of trying professionally because nobody has represented India in pro boxing.”
He admitted that he would like to go back to his family before commencing his training in Manchester, England under Lee Beard.
When asked if how the Indian fans would react to his Pro Boxing debut in September, he said that it is great news for them.
“They (my fans) will be excited (for my professional career). They will come to London or wherever the fight will take place. It is great news for them,” said Vijender to BoxNation.
“I believe in myself”
Vijender, 29, is one of the ‘older’ players to turn pro, but he claimed that it is not about age.
“I don't know that 29 is old, but it is all about punching, hitting and hard work. And I am capable of that. I believe in myself and I can set my mind to do it. I don't think it is about age,” the man from Bhiwani, India expressed in the interview.
He also mentioned that he will talk to his coach to decide the weight category he will compete in. As he has competed in Middleweight category (70.5kg to 72.5kg) in amateur boxing, he is currently training for the same.
He explained the difference between amateur and professional boxing in the interview, “In amateur boxing, you work on footwork, hit and then go back, but in professional boxing, you have to be calm and look for the right moment to make your move.
“I have tried playing without a headgear before. The 2012 Olympics was without headgear. I don’t think it is going to be a problem for me because in amateur boxing, we play without head guards now.”
He said that he has carved a path for the future Indian boxers to take up professional boxing and called his move historical in Indian boxing.
“I am trying to improve. You have loved me as an amateur boxer, but you just wait for my first fight in September and I will rock then,” he claimed to BoxNation before signing off.
