Boxer Vijender Singh says he took a gamble by turning professional

Vijender Singh representing the tricolour at the 2014 Commonwealth Games

Indian international boxer Vijender Singh has explained his decision to turn to professional boxing as a big ‘gamble’ in his life. The 29-year old boxer bid adieu to his amateur career by turning professional as he signed a multi-year agreement with Queensberry Promotions through IOS Sports and Entertainment in June 2015. As he signed this contract, he was no longer eligible to represent his nation at the international stage.

The former Olympian described his decision as it will be creating a window of opportunities for the other amateur Indian boxers to take up professional boxing in their near future as the future of amateur boxing in India looks bleak in the absence of a recognised national federation.

"Is it for name and fame? No!”

He said, “There is an old saying that 'zindagi ek jua hai' (life is a gamble). I have taken that gamble by turning pro. If I succeed, that would be great, but even if I fail, I can proudly say that at least I had the guts to try out a new thing. But, the most important part is 'why am I taking this gamble'? Is it for name and fame? No! I have earned a lot during my amateur career, and boxing lovers do know about it. I have taken this step to inspire the young generation of Indian boxers to take up the professional boxing because I know they are suffering back home," as DNA India reports.

The Olympic and World Championship medallist is currently in Manchester preparing for his opening fight. He will begin his pro career on the double world title show headlined by Terry Flanagan's WBO World Lightweight title defence against Diego Magdaleno at the Manchester Arena on 10th October 2015.

“I am opening the floodgates for young Indian boxers”

The boxer added, “I am opening the floodgates for young Indian boxers to try out their hands at a more competitive and lucrative pro circuit. They can have a good future here. Many Indian boxers are interested in coming to Manchester and fight because the overall picture (as far as Indian amateur boxing is concerned) does not look good. However, my advice to the young kids would be to only think about turning pro after giving their 100 per cent for the country at the Rio Olympics.”

The 29-year old has been heavily criticised over his move to the professional circuit as many have accused him of choosing money over representing his nation. He was quoted as saying, “When I win, the national flag would be wrapped around my body. The tricolour would be going up.”

However, Vijender also said that the training for the professional circuit is not at all easy and it drains your full energy in a 12-round fight.