NEW DELHI, Feb 22: Former world championships silver-medallist Sarjubala Devi is all set to make her debut in the professional circuit on February 26, when she will take on Tanzania’s Kayage Lulu Gaithabi in a 51kg category showdown in Dubai.
The diminutive former youth world champion is registered with the Indian Boxing Council. The 31-year-old Kayage has seven wins against six losses in her professional career.
“I have been training really well. Although it is the same sport, there is a lot of difference in amateur and professional boxing. I used to box three rounds earlier, now it is going to be six rounds, so I am preparing myself for it,” the Manipuri pugilist, who was also a multiple-time national medallist during her amateur days, said in a statement.
“It is not just skills; it is a lot more than that. Since the bouts are longer with more rounds, endurance is a big requirement.
“Apart from regular gym workouts, I also go for long runs with my trainers, so that I have the endurance for Pro fights. It is exhaustive, but I am enjoying it,” she added.
The 28-year-old also hoped that amateur boxers find more support for turning professional from the Boxing Federation of India.
“As per the rules, only the number one boxer in each category in the country gets to represent the country at international tournaments. When the top boxer plays the international tournament, the second and third-ranked players don’t get an opportunity to play.
“I feel the Boxing Federation of India should allow amateur boxers to fight Pro bouts when they are not representing the country. This will help them stay fit for international exposure and at the same time earn some, as most of the boxers in India come from humble backgrounds,” she said.
The fight card
Faizan Anwar (IND) vs Yameen Khan (PAK); Sarjubala Devi (IND) vs Lulu Kayage (TAN); Lalrinsanga Tlau (IND) vs Muhammad Sikandar Abbasi (PAK); Nutlai Lalbiakkima (IND) vs Fida Muhammad (PAK); Laldingliana (IND) vs Muhammad Ammar Khan (PAK); Shaikhom Rebaldo Singh (IND) vs Mukhtiar Ahmed Kakar (PAK). (PTI)
