India star Vijender Singh is settling into life in Manchester as he targets a world title.

In 2009, he was officially the world's number one amateur middleweight (AIBA rankings) and hopes to become the same after he opted to join the professional ranks.

Last month the sub-continent's poster boy produced a sizzling display to stop Rochester foghorn Sonny Whiting in the third round of his paid bow at Manchester Arena with an estimated 20 million people watching back in his homeland.

And then last weekend in Dublin's National Stadium the 30-year-old took apart Nottingham's undefeated Dean Gillen with another knockout performance.

"I'd done everything I wanted to do in the amateurs," said Singh, a medalist at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Seniors and 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"I've no idea how many amateur contests I had or what my record was. I began boxing training in 1998 but didn't have my first contest until 2001, when I was about 16.

"But I'd already attended three Olympic Games and won a medal so decided to give my time and hard work to the pro game. It's the right place for me."

Back in June the part-time catwalk model - who has already starred in Bollywood movies - signed a professional deal with Queensberry Promotions and re-located to Manchester where local coach Lee Beard was commissioned to oversee his transformation between the codes.

"I've always been a thinking boxer but professional boxing is a far more brutal sport and you must fight harder," said the Deputy Superintendent of Police in his native Haryana, northern India.

"Right now I'm focused on learning a new process and it's lovely. I spar three times a week and at the start I admit it was difficult. They hit me very hard!

"No one is perfect. There's technical adjustments to be made. Lee is a very good trainer who adds little techniques without making big changes. In particular, my footwork has needed to change. I can't jump around the ring. That said, many pros I spar are not used to my movement. I'm also working hard to build endurance; spar six or seven rounds."

Away from the gym, the prospect has adjusted effortlessly to Mancunian culture - if not its climate.

"Here my life is very easy, solely about boxing - train, eat and sleep! The only downside is the damp weather. Right now, it's a bit too chilly for me!" he said.

"I stay in an apartment in central Manchester which is very convenient. I love the environment and enjoy the city. I go to the mall and watch Bollywood movies which I adore.

"I also enjoy all sports and love the sporting culture in Britain. On weekends I love to watch the football or the rugby. I've not decided on City or United yet. I love all teams, all football."

The stylist has found fight followers to be as fervent as football fans.

"Unlike in India, sports fans in the UK really know their boxing. If you box well, fight hard, they love you," he said.

"I've no big dreams just yet other than to keep doing my job, keep winning. Lots of Asians love Amir Khan .. every nation needs a hero so hopefully I can be one for India."