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Bhopal boxers dream to fight in professional boxing arena
Bhopal pugilists are all set to emulate international boxer Vijender Singh by opting for professional boxing.
Bhopal pugilists are all set to emulate international boxer Vijender Singh by opting for professional boxing.
And to make this happen, an international championship of professional boxing has been scheduled here in December this year.
Whether it is a Vijender Singh’s effect or a quest for financial security, two Madhya Pradesh boxers are already working hard on their punches to enter the ring of professional boxing despite strong opposition of Boxing Association of India (BAI).
Madhya Pradesh State Boxing Academy coach Roshanlal is grooming the two amateur boxers — national medalists Rahul Pasi and Manish Uike — to develop them as professional boxers.
Talking to HT, Roshanlal said, “Professional boxing will give new heights to boxing and will also secure the future of many boxers. Professional boxing will bring name and fame to the boxers which in our country only cricket provides so far.”
When HT asked about professional boxing’s possible impact on amateur boxing, Roshanlal said, “Keeping in mind the amateur boxing, the national body has decided that only those boxers, who have performed well at the national level amateur boxing competitions, will be given entry to the pro-boxing. It is clear that boxers have to perform at amateur boxing to get ticket for pro-boxing.”
Talking to the Hindustan Times Manish and Rahul said, “Currently, boxing is not in a good position in India. BAI has failed in conducting national championships in India. Children, who had opted for boxing after getting influenced by Vijender Singh’s Olympic medal, are finding it difficult to make a good career due to associations’ conflict. In the downfall of boxing, professional boxing is just like a ray of hope for many boxers like us.”
North India Boxing Association, general secretary, Jai Singh, is working on popularising professional boxing in India.
When asked about BAI’s opposition, Jai Singh said, “BAI is opposing it as they are not aware of AIBA’s rules. According to international federation, players can’t play 12 rounds title championship but there is no ban for players to play 4-5 rounds fight.”
