mid-day editorial: Pro plunge could lead the way

Vijender Singh’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title win over Australian Kerry Hope on Saturday will open doors for more boxers to take the plunge in the lucrative world of professional boxing

Vijender Singh’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title win over Australian Kerry Hope on Saturday will open doors for more boxers to take the plunge in the lucrative world of professional boxing. It’s a world devoid of the politically motivated amateur sector where coaches and members of the boxing association’s inner ring exploit young boxers whose only aim is to represent the nation irrespective of the fact that they are paid a pittance for shedding sweat and blood.

According to Indian Boxing Council (IBC) chief Brig PK Muralidharan Raja, the nation’s premier professional boxing body, a young pro boxer can make anywhere between Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 per fight starting off as a raw, inexperienced fighter. The money increases with every fight irrespective of whether the boxer wins or loses. Without naming them, Vijender himself has told this newspaper that some of India’s top boxers have chatted with him about the possibility of turning pro given the extent of frustration they have undergone in the amateur world.

However, a bunch of roses is not without thorns and there are pitfalls in professional boxing too.

Just like the slew of franchise-based sports leagues across the length and breadth of the country, there is a danger of too many professional boxing events leading to an eventual dip in quality of competition.

There is a possibility of young boxers being exploited in the bargain.

Vijender’s win is a welcome sign nevertheless. It shows that Indian boxers have the potential to be world-beaters. Hard work and dedication have never been lacking in Indian boxers.

It’s only been a case of lack of opportunities. But now, thanks to Vijender and the promoters of Saturday’s bout, that opportunity has arrived and it’s only a matter of time before the doors are opened.

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