India's first pro boxing event to take place at the end of the year

The move comes soon after Vijender’s successful pro debut

Indian boxing fans have a reason to cheer, other than Vijender Singh’s victorious first professional boxing bout. According to the Times of India, the Indian Boxing Council (IBC) will conduct their first Pro Fight Night in the end of November or the beginning of December.

Brigadier (retd) Muralidharan Raja, president of the erstwhile Indian Amateur Boxing Association, made the statement after receiving numerous calls from across the country following Vijender Singh’s third round Technical Knockout victory over Sonny Whiting in his pro boxing debut. The 2008 Olympic bronze medallist is the IBC’s first licensed boxer.

In a statement to the Press, Raja said “We are planning to conduct the first Fight Night somewhere in the end of November or December first week. We are planning to open registrations for the boxers, promoters and trainers after 10 days. Once we get the applications, we will shortlist the best candidates for the fight. We are also looking to include foreign boxers in the fight.”

Raja, as Chef de Mission, was in charge of the Indian contingent to the 2012 London Olympics. He proudly announced that the Indian Boxing Council had recently certified a number of officials cleared to mediate in professional boxing bouts. He said, “We have certified 13 officials as referees, judges and ring side doctors. As we have the technical team ready, we now have to shortlist the boxers and trainers before the Fight Night.”

The thirteen officials went through a strictly regulated three-day clinic-cum-certification examination that took place in Pune. They were deemed as “2 Star” or “1 Star” “IBC Technical Officials” after a rigorous inspection of their theoretical and practical skills, as well as their amateur refereeing experience. The Indian Boxing Council, which is a non-profit organisation, helps amateur boxers turn professional, was founded by Raja.