Boxing: Olympic medallist Vijender Singh could end India career, turn pro

Vijender Singh may never be seen in India colours again — the Olympic bronze medallist (Beijing 2008) has been training in the UK with Queensberry Promotions and has given the ongoing national camp in Patiala a miss. All this could be indication that he’s about to go pro. And once a boxer turns professional, he cannot compete at an amateur level (unless they’re part of The International Boxing Association’s pro boxing competetion APB). What this means is Vijender won’t be able to compete at the Olympics. [caption id=“attachment_1441539” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Vijender Singh.[/caption] According to a report in The Indian Express, Vijender is training with a company owned by popular British boxing promoter Francis Warren. He is scheduled to return to India on 13 July, and an announcement on his decision is expected shortly. “He had informed us that he will train in the UK at his own expense. But we are not aware of his plans to turn pro,” India boxing chief coach Gurbax Sandhu was quoted as saying in the report. The boxer’s father, Mahipal Singh, said that his son was old enough to make his decisions. Sandhu was also quoted as saying by Mid-Day that if Vijender does decide to go pro, it will ‘definitely affect’ India’s Olympic preparations. A statement from Warren’s media team manager Richard Maynard to Mail Today said: “Boxing promoter Francis Warren will host a press conference on Monday, June 29, when a major announcement will be made regarding India’s boxing sensation and 2008 Olympic medallist Vijender Kumar. The 29-year-old hotshot is currently one of the hottest stars in Asian sport and the exciting news to be released on Monday will thrill the millions of adoring fans he has at home, in the UK and around the world.” Warren’s company also manages boxers like Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton.