London, June 29: Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender Singh, the country’s most celebrated boxer, bid adieu to his amateur career Monday by turning professional, ruling himself out of next year’s Olympics. Professional pugilists are not allowed to participate in Olympic events.
The biggest name in Indian boxing after he became the first pugilist to bag an Olympic medal – the 29-year-old signed a multi-year agreement Monday with Queensberry Promotions through IOS Sports and Entertainment.
He will fight a minimum of six bouts in the middleweight category in the first year of his agreement. It may be mentioned here that Vijju (as he is popularly known) had hinted a few days back in ‘Roadies’ (a reality show) that he would be turning pro.
“I’m excited to turn pro and looking forward to the new chapter in 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. I want to achieve a good record in the first year itself,” stated Vijender after the signing of the deal.
National boxing coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu meanwhile stated in New Delhi 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 something,” Sandhu said.
The 29-year-old from Haryana will now base himself in Manchester and work with renowned trainer Lee Beard. PTI
