New Delhi : Convinced about Vijender Singh’s ability to sparkle in the gruelling arena of professional boxing, his UK-based trainer Lee Beard and promoter Francis Warren said the Indian has what it takes to make it big there as his natural ability goes beyond the amateur level.
“It is not about signing an Indian boxer, it is about signing Vijender. I think he is a terrific boxer, his talent and natural ability goes beyond amateur boxing,” Queensberry’s Francis Warren said.
“He has given 17 years to amateur boxing where he won many medals from Olympics, to Asian Games to Commonwealth Games. It is his personality, he has got a fire in his eyes. Now he is turning pro and I think every Indian should get behind him,” he added.
“Commercially also it makes sense because he has been hugely successful. There are many amateurs in India and We will be trying to get find out the hidden gems in India and give back to Indian boxing,” he said.
“Vijender will be training in Manchester from September and in next 14 months he will be busy with his fights, six of them, and hopefully he will come out with six wins and we can have his first fight in India in July next year,” Warren added.
“We are trying to sort out TV deals so that the whole of India can watch him live.”—PTI
Vijender’s trainer Lee Beard, whose wards include British professional legend Ricky Hatton, said he is confident about Vijender making a huge splash in the circuit.
“I know Vijender has the potential. I can see it in him. He is very competitive and strong mentally and physically. He has the drive. When I worked with Ricky Hatton, he was already there in professional but Vijender is just starting out. But I see the same spark and desire in him. He has the talent to back it up as well,” he said.
“I have seen him fighting against English guys in big events as an amateur. I hope in 2-3 years, depending on how he progress, he can do well. Professional boxing is more challenging and demanding. There are more technical areas to work on. It is all about hunger and I think he has it in him to be a world champion,” he added.
Meanwhile, newly-formed Indian Boxing Council (IBC) President Brig (Retd) P K Muralidharan Raja handed over the first license of professional boxing to Vijender. PTI
