I had another opportunity and that's why I have turned a pro: Vijender Singh
He shot back and reiterated that it was not money that prompted him to leave amateur boxing
Mumbai: Star Indian boxer Vijender Singh on Wednesday shot back at his detractors and reiterated that it was not money that prompted him to leave amateur boxing but his "wish" to become a professional.
"Why not, it's a good thing. It's been 15 years (as an amateur boxer). It's my wish (to turn professional)," said the 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist after his first professional training stint at a suburban mall here with his pro trainer Lee Beard.
When pointedly asked if it was for money that he had abandoned the amateur ranks and with it the chance to take part in coveted events like the Olympics, Vijender said: "It's for everything."
Boxer Vijender Singh flanked by Boxing promoter Francis Warren (right) and Neerav Tomar, IOS boxing promotions during a press conference in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)
On why he didn't wait till next year's Rio Games and then become a professional boxer, Vijender, who represented the country in 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics, curtly replied: "I had represented India in three Olympics. It's not easy. Why don't you do it? I had another opportunity and that's why I have turned a pro.”
Meanwhile, Beard praised his new ward as an intelligent boxer. "He's a naturally gifted boxer. He has represented India in three Olympics. He had competed at that level. There's lot of difference between amateur and pro boxing, which is more physical," said Beard.
(Photo: PTI)
The trainer said Vijender's physical fitness despite being an amateur boxer had surprised him. "Physically he surprised me with his very good level of fitness. He's got a very strong mind (too). What he needs is to increase the number of rounds. Pro game is different. He's already shown tremendous mental strength during his 15 years as an amateur. But it's not easy to turn pro," said Beard.
Vijender welcomed the move of former Indian boxing federation secretary Muralidhar Raja starting a professional boxing body -- IBC -- in India. "That's amazing. It is a new beginning. Muralidhar Raja is an amazing guy and is very hard working," gushed Vijender.