On Monday 29th June 2015, a press conference was held in London, at the Cinnamon Club where Francis Warren of Queensberry Promotions, and Neerav Tomar of IOS Sport and Entertainment officially announced that the Indian boxer, Vijendra Singh has now turned to professional boxing.
Vijender Singh has signed a four-year promotional agreement in which Queensberry Promotions and IOS Sport and Entertainment will ensure that the talented middleweight boxer fights a minimum of six times in the first year. He will now base himself in Manchester and be trained under renown trainer, Lee Beard, who has also worked with the British boxing legend, Ricky Hatton.
Vijender Singh has had an excellent run as an amateur boxer in India, competing and winning medals at well-reputed competitions. He won Silver at the 2006 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, Bronze at the 2006 Asian Games as well as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2009 Amateur Championships and 2010 Commonwealth Games; also won Gold at the 2010 Asian Games.
Francis Warren, who is also the son of the International Boxing Hall of Fame promoter, Frank Warren, stated, “I think this is a landmark deal for British boxing; probably the highest profile Asian signing that has probably been made maybe since Amir Khan. But the big difference there is that Vijender is born and bred from India and he is going to come and try to conquer the UK before going back to glory in India, to which I'm sure will be another hero's welcome.”
Singh's highly awaited professional boxing debut is scheduled for autumn 2015, and BoxNation are to televise his fights live and exclusive in the UK.
Neerav Tomar, who is also Vijender Singh's manager said, “It's a historic moment for Indian boxing with Vijender turning Pro. He's a top fighter and is extremely motivated to train hard and perform.”
Tomar added, “Indian boxers have huge potential to be world beaters and Vijender will be the flag bearer for a nation of over billion people.”
Lee Beard spoke about trainer Singh last week in Manchester. He said, “I put him through tests, physically, mentally and technically. He sailed through all the tests. He's very strong and has an open mind to learning new things... he's a thinking fighter...”
The sensational boxer, Vijender Singh spoke about how he decided to become a professional boxer. “I came here in Manchester last week and saw the whole set-up. I then decided that if I can do amateur fights than why can't I turn pro? I took my decision and made my mind to try as a pro boxer because I did my best in amateur boxing, like in the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. I'm trying my best now in pro boxing.”
Singh is not only a boxer, but works in the police department in India, and has also acted in the Bollywood film, Fugly. Speaking about his experience of working in a movie, he said, “I want to do everything in my life because I don't want to regret that 'maine yeh nahin kiya... maine woh nahin kiya'. I just want to do everything in my life. Bohat kuch karna hai abhi.”
Vijender Singh's message to his fans was, “Love you all and just love me. I'm turning pro now and I need your wishes. Thank you so much, love you all and we'll meet soon in the ring.”
Asian Voice wishes Vijender Singh the very best in his future boxing endeavours.
