Vijender Singh opens up about why his going professional was the game changer for boxing in India

Vijender Singh conquered the amateur boxing arena and now all eyes are set on him once again to see how India’s ace boxer will fair in professional boxing as he makes his debut on Saturday (October 10).

At the moment when anxiety and frenzy is taking over boxing fans in India, Singh is as cool as a cucumber and is just focussing on the game.

In an exclusive interview to Business Insider, Singh, who is in Manchester, said this is the best time of his life and currently he is excited and focussed for his pro-boxing debut.

“I have mixed feelings actually. There is no pressure on me, it’s been a little over a month now that I have been training and I am geared up for my pro debut. There is, of course, a responsibility on me but at present I want to stay focussed as I have been waiting for this moment for quite sometime now,” said 29-year-old Singh.

Singh, who was expected to represent India in 2016 Rio Olympics, had announced his plans to turn professional in June and signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Queensberry Promotions.

When asked what drove him to take the decision, the boxer from Bhiwani said, “I only know boxing and the sport is my life. Apart from boxing, I don’t know anything. I have won every prestigious medal in amateur boxing and in pro also I will leave a mark. I want to perform at a global level and work hard and box hard.”

In his pro debut, Singh will fight England’s Sonny Whiting, who has an overall record of 2-1 in pro boxing and has claimed he will put Singh through hell.

To this, Singh said, “Indian boxers are the best and he will get to see that on Saturday. I just want to wish him good luck and we will see who wins. I am going to box hard.”

Singh has been training under coach Lee Beard along with three others, Jack Catterall, Adrian Gonzalez and Jimmy Kelly.

Talking about challenges he’s been facing in the UK, Singh said it’s been a month only and he is still adjusting.

“Everything is new here. New people, new fellow boxers, new trainers and there is no Indian. There is a sea change. Training is also difficult, language and press conferences are also not so easy. So, I am still adjusting here,” he said.

Singh is working hard to shine out in his pro career and said there was no shortcut to hard work.

The boxing match titled as ‘World War III’ will be telecasted live and exclusive on Sony Six at 10.20 pm IST.

“I am happy that my match will be telecasted and cheers in India will be heard till Manchester,” added Singh.

Asked if he would support other Indian boxers to turn pro, Singh said, “I will definitely support them. If my Indian boxers need anything, I am here for them. I will give my unconditional support and full guidance.”

The set of rules in Amateur are different from pro. In pro-boxing, there is no mercy, among other rules.