“Boxers opting for the pro circuit should build up endurance and be able to withstand a flurry of punches,” says former pro boxer Dharmendra Yadav

Two outstanding Indian amateur boxers-Amit Panghal and Nishant Dev-have made a switch to the pro circuit.  A world championships silver medallist and Asian Games gold medallist, Panghal has been one of India’s most accomplished boxers at the international level. Nishant made a big impression at the Paris Olympics. The 24-year-old’s courage and skills were on full display in the quarter-final bout against Marco Verde which he lost by a split verdict. Surprisingly, he has chosen to turn pro at a young age.

Some of India’s top boxers like Olympic medallist Vijender Singh and Vikas Krishan have tried their hands in professional boxing. Though they made the switch after achieving success at the amateur level. Mandeep Jangra, Neeraj Goyat have also competed in the pro circuit.

Pro boxing presents a different set of challenges and it tests the boxer on and off the ring.

It would be interesting to watch how Amit and Nishant perform on the professional platform, says former international boxer and coach of the Indian team, Dharmendra Yadav said.

Yadav, who has competed in pro boxing, minced no words saying there is no place for faint hearted boxers in the pro circuit. “Pro boxing is altogether a different play field. Right from preparation to mental makeup, pro boxing is poles apart from amateur competition,” Yadav explained.

“Indian boxers opting for the pro circuit should build up endurance and be able to withstand a flurry of punches inside the ring. That’s why there is no place for players who are scared of getting hit hard.”

Yadav, who claimed to be the first Indian pro boxer in the early 1990’s, said he enjoyed his two years stint from 1994 to 1996. He was based in East London and got the opportunity to compete in six bouts.

“I won all the six bouts,” he recalled. “I quit pro boxing as I felt homesick and returned to India.”

According to Yadav who hails from Uttar Pradesh, landing good punches on an opponent is a feel-good factor, but reality strikes when it comes to taking back hard punches. There are occasions when players might have a deep cut and bloody face. “That’s the time to stay strong,” the national boxing coach says of how tough faced by pro boxers.

One can make good money in the sport though. “It all depends on the manager/agent you are associated with and what kind of opportunity you get on the pro circuit. “Success in pro boxing depends on the toughness of an individual. Fitness is one area that gets tested in the ring,” Yadav asserted.

The national boxing coach was excited at the prospects of two elite boxers turning pro. Both the boxers will be based out of the USA.

Nishant’s decision to opt for the pro circuit came soon after the Paris Olympics. Two-time Olympian Panghal didn’t live up to his reputation at the Paris Olympics and bowed out early in the competition. “He (Panghal) is a good boxer. Let’s see how he adjusts to the new competition rules of the pro circuit,” Yadav added.

Yadav said India’s Beijing Olympic Games bronze medalist Vijender Singh made most of the situation on the pro circuit. “His (Vijender) exploits on the pro circuit was an eye opening for young generations of boxers in the country,” Yadav added.