By Terence Dooley
India’s Vijender Singh has signed a professional deal with Queensberry Promotions. The 29-year-old will fight up to six times in his first pro year as per the terms of the deal. The former amateur middleweight star announced his new career direction at a press conference in London earlier today. Singh will be trained by Manchester’s Lee Beard; he will continue to campaign at 160lbs.
Neerav Tomar, MD & CEO of IOS Sports & Entertainment, spoke of his delight when announcing the deal: “It's an historic moment for Indian boxing with Vijender turning pro,” he said. “He's a top fighter and is extremely motivated to train hard and perform. Vijender will be the flag bearer for a nation of over billion people.”
“I'm excited to turn pro and looking forward to the new chapter of my life,” added Singh. “I want to train hard and perform for my country at the global level. My immediate goal will be to work hard and make a good boxing record in the next year or so.”
Francis Warren also expressed his delight, saying: “I'm very excited to have brought such a talented and determined individual over to the UK and can't wait to see what Vijender is capable of doing in the professional ranks after achieving so much as an amateur. After spending the past week with him in Manchester, there is no doubt in my mind that he has what it takes to be a very successful professional boxer, not only due to his undoubted natural talent, but also due to his drive and focus. He has a clear idea of what he wants to achieve and I am over the moon that he will be doing that with Queensberry Promotions and BoxNation.”
Singh netted silver medals at the 2006 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, holds an Asian Games bronze as well as picking up a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2009 World Amateur Championships and 2010 Commonwealth Games. He won a gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games, but has now put his amateur career behind him in a bid to bring home some professional titles.
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