New Delhii: Former world championship silver medalist Sarjubala Devi will make her professional circuit debut on February 26, when she will take on Tanzania’s Kayage Lulu Gaithabi in a 51kg showdown in Dubai.
Sarjubala Devi, former world championship silver medalist, will make her professional circuit debut on February 26, when she will take on Tanzania’s Kayage Lulu Gaithabi in a 51kg showdown in Dubai. The 31-year-old Kayage recorded seven victories against six defeats in her professional career.
“I trained very well. Although it is the same sport, there is a lot of difference between amateur and professional boxing. I used to box three rounds earlier, now it’s going to be six rounds, so I’m preparing for it,” the Manipuri boxer, who was also a multiple national medalist during her amateur time, said in a statement.
“It’s not just skills; it’s much more than that. Because the periods are longer with more rounds, stamina is a big requirement.”
“In addition to the regular gym workouts, I will also be doing long runs with my trainers so that I have the stamina for Pro fights. It’s exhausting, but I enjoy it,” she added.
The 28-year-old also hoped amateur boxers would find more support to turn pro of the Boxing Federation of India†
“By the rules, only the number one boxer in each category in the country is allowed to represent the country in international tournaments. If the top boxer plays the international tournament, the second and third ranked players don’t get a chance to play.”
“I think the Boxing Federation of India should allow amateur boxers to fight Pro fights if they don’t represent the country. This will help them stay fit for international fame while earning some money as most boxers from a humble background in India,” she said.
In addition to Sarjubala’s professional debut, there will also be fights between India and Pakistan on the evening in Dubai.
Promoter Mujtaba Kamal believes the cards have the potential to become a big hit on the professional boxing scene.
The fight card features three current WBC India number one boxers in their respective weight divisions: Faizan Anwar (WBC India Rank 1, Welter Weight), Lalrinsanga Tlau (WBC Youth World Champion & WBC India Rank 1, Super Featherweight), Nutlai Lalbiakkima (WBC India Rank 1, Minimum weight).
The promoter said the fights will bring handsome purses for the boxers.
“It is the first money of its kind for Indian and Pakistani boxers. On average, the boxers will take $2500-$3000 after the match. We also made the fights live on pay-per-view.”
“Each boxer gets about 7-10 percent of the subscription amount. This has never happened in the history of Indian and Pakistani Pro boxing,” he said.
The Fight Card:
Faizan Anwar (IND) v Yameen Khan (PAK)
Sarjubala Devi (IND) vs Lulu Kayage (TAN)
Lalrinsanga Tlau (IND) vs Mohammed Sikandar Abbasi (PAK)
Nutlai Lalbiakkima (IND) v Fida Muhammad (PAK)
Laldingliana (IND) v Mohammed Ammar Khan (PAK)
Shaikhom Rebaldo Singh (IND) v Mukhtiar Ahmed Kakar (PAK).
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