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India’s boxer Vijender Singh has called time on his amateur boxing career and taken up professional boxing. The Indian has signed a multi-year deal with Queensberry Promotions as he forays into the world of pro boxing.
Vijender, a bronze medallist at the 2008 Olympics, will fight at least 6 bouts in the first year and will now train in Manchester, England under trainer Lee Beard, who has worked with British boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
I am excited to turn pro: Vijender
The 29-year old from Bhiwani, Haryana, could not hide his excitement at turning pro and outlined his immediate goals.
“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. My immediate goal will be to work hard and make a good boxing record in the next year or so,” he said.
Vijender is in good hands with Queensberry Promotions, which is owned by Francis and George Warren – sons of legendary boxing promoter Frank Warren. The company has handled big names like Mike Tyson, Amir Khan and Naseem Hamed among more.
Neerav Tomar, MD and CEO of IOS Sports & Entertainment, who were responsible for him signing up with Queensberry, said, “It's a historic moment for Indian boxing with Vijender turning pro. He's a top fighter and is extremely motivated to train hard and perform. Vijender will be the flag bearer for a nation of over billion people.”
Vijender was ranked the world’s number one middleweight in 2009. He won Silver medals at the 2006 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, bronze at the 2006 Asian Games, 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2009 World Amateur Championships and 2010 Commonwealth Games and he struck Gold at the 2010 Asian Games. In July, 2009, he was awarded the country’s highest sporting honour – the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
