CHENNAI: Sarita Devi is set to turn over a new page in Indian boxing. The Manipuri veteran will become the first woman pugilist to enter the professional circuit on January 29. And she will have home advantage as the bout is scheduled to be held in her hometown in Imphal, Manipur, at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex indoor arena.
However, she will be up against a seasoned opponent, Zsofia Bedo of Hungary, who has an experience of 59 matches (283 rounds) under her belt.
Ever since Sarita decided to take the professional route, the former world champion (2006) has been honing her skills in Sports Authority of India’s National Boxing Academy in Rohtak, under the close watch of American coach Joe Clough — who has trained the likes of Evander Holyfield.
The 31-year-old revealed that she has opted for a male sparring partner. “I’m training hard and I’m going to fight harder,” Sarita said.
Given Zsofia’s CV, any first-timer would think twice before accepting the challenge. The World No 29 has 19 wins with a seven per cent knockout record.
The Arjuna awardee has tall ambitions and is not deterred by her opponent. “Turning professional is not just about winning or losing a couple of bouts. The most important decision of my career is also a mission for me. I’m entering the professional circuit quite late in my career. I will have to make longer strides to achieve my goals. The stronger the opponent, the better the chance to improve my rankings,” she assessed.
IBC chief PK Muralidharan Raja, who has been actively promoting pro-boxing to the masses, asserts that the big bout will usher in a new era for Indian boxing. “It will not just be historical in the sense that Sarita will become the first female boxer in India to don pro colours. There will also be many firsts on January 29, which the IBC shall share with the boxing lovers soon.”
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