New Delhi: Eight years after they made waves at the Beijing Olympics, two of Indian boxing’s most celebrated names – Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar – are set for a comeback to the ring by turning professional.
The two boxers, both of whom are Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships medallists, are close to finalising a deal with Infinity Optimal Solutions (IOS), who are India promoters of the reigning WBO Asia Pacific champion Vijender Singh.
The two boxers are awaiting permission from their current employers – Haryana Police – to officially take the plunge like Vijender, who is also a DSP with Haryana Police.
“Everyone who has followed Indian boxing knows the kind of impact Akhil made in changing the face of the sport. His style, aggression and unabashed passion in fighting for the nation endeared him to one and all,” IOS CEO and MD Neerav Tomar stated Tuesday.
The two would, in fact, be making their professional debut alongside Vijender in a fight night being planned in the next two months in India.
Akhil, who won the 2006 CWG bantamweight gold medal, shocked the world at the Beijing Games by beating the then World No.1 Sergey Vodopyanov before losing in the quarterfinals. The boxer incidentally is also a World Championships bronze medallist.
Jitender, competing in flyweight, too had made a name for himself in Beijing by beating strong opponents, including Uzbekistan’s Tulashboy Doniyorov, en route to the quarterfinals before a jaw injury put paid to his chances of a medal.
“Boxing got me recognition and it got me this job too. I have served my nation without hesitation and with pride that you understand only when you wear ‘India’ on your chest. I am happy that pro boxers are now being allowed at the Olympics,” Akhil, an Arjuna awardee, said.
The 35-year-old Akhil and 28-year-old Jitender have been away from competitive boxing for some time. While Akhil was last seen in action at the 2014 Asian Games, Jitender has been inactive since his World Series of Boxing stint with Mumbai Fighters way back in 2010-11.
However, there are doubts in some quarters as to how the two will fare against pro competitors after being out of action for long.
Press Trust of India
