Vijender Singh turns professional: All you need to know

Vijender Singh won’t represent India at the Rio Olympics now. (Source: Express File)

It’s official! India’s star pugilist Vijender Singh has turned professional and will not be eligible to represent India anymore. The Haryana boxer wanted to move over to the professional ranks and his move hasn’t come as a surprise to many.

Vijender, the 2008 Olympic Bronze Medallist, has signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Queensberry Promotions through IOS Sports & Entertainment, that will see him fight a minimum of six times in the first year as he looks to herald in a new era for Asian boxing.

After turning pro, Vijender won’t represent India at the Rio Olympics and Vikas Krishan, in all likelihood, will represent the country in the middleweight category.

Here’s a quick look at how this move will affect Vijender:

* Vijender will not be able to represent India anymore

* For starters, he won’t be eligible for any grants from the sports ministry

* It’s still unclear whether this move will affect his job with the Haryana Police

* Turning pro is tough and demanding. Supreme level of fitness is required to compete at this level

* All said and done, Vijender, if successful, can attract big bucks

* Francis Warren, reputed British boxing promoter, is one of the best in the business and mangages the likes of Dereck Chisora, Amir Khan, Nigel Benn and Ricky Hatton