Akhil Kumar, Jitender Kumar to make pro boxing debuts in April

New Delhi: Following in the footsteps of Indian boxing sensation Vijender Singh, Olympic quarterfinalists Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar are all set to make their profession debut.

Both the boxers are likely to make their pro debut in Mumbai on April 1. The fight night will see Akhil and Jitender's return to the ring after a long time.

Akhil and Jitender, who are serving as Deputy Superintendents of Police with the Haryana Government, have recently got permission to turn professional. Both the effervescent Haryana-lads have formally signed up with the IOS Boxing Promotions here today.

Commonwealth Games 2006 Gold medallist and Beijing Olympics quarterfinalist Akhil Kumar, who spearheaded the Indian boxing contingent at numerous international tournaments for years, including a World Cup (2008) where he won a bronze medal, has represented country in nearly 250 bouts during his amateur career.

Talking on his decision to turn pro, Akhil said, "I am very grateful to the authorities for granting me permission to turn towards pro boxing. It is going to be a very exciting new phase in my boxing career, with our promoter Neerav Tomar."

Akhil added, "I am looking forward to this new beginning in my boxing career, and will train hard to make my country proud and have a great professional boxing career."

Olympian Jitender Kumar is another big name in Indian boxing who has signed up with IOS Boxing Promotions a multi-year pro agreement. The 28-year-old Bhiwani boxer has won a bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games 2006, a bronze medal in the World Cup 2009, and another bronze in the Asian Championship 2007.

Jitender Kumar spoke on the occasion, "I am thankful to the government of Haryana. I am very excited about this new beginning in my life. Returning to the ring as a professional boxer is something very encouraging and motivating not just for me as a boxer but also all the youngsters around India who want to turn towards boxing."