CHENNAI: For a person who was considered too benign to enter the boxing ring, L Sarita Devi has come a long way. For almost 16 years, the unassuming Manipuri woman has soldiered on, taking down fierce opponents with a calm head and her ability inside the ring.
Coming from a poor background in the insurgency-ridden Manipur, the former world champion (2006) has displayed an iron will to blossom in a sport, which she picked up to get herself a good life.
Now, the mother of one is in fresh pursuit. With undiminished purpose and thirst for further glory, the 31-year-old is ready to join the rigours of professional boxing.
In fact, she is set to become the first Indian woman pugilist to fight in the professional arena when she takes on World No 29 Zsofia Bedo of Hungary on January 29 in Manipur.
"It has been my dream to participate in pro boxing and see how tough it is. I have been boxing for the last 16 years winning medals, bringing laurels to the country in amateur boxing, but as a boxer, it has always been on my mind to try in professional boxing," she told Express.
Aware that the bouts are going to be much more demanding, Sarita has been huffing and puffing in the 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. She has laid out her plans and is keen on winning titles. "My immediate target is to win the Asian title, then fight for the world title."
Though she has plenty of medals in her trophy cabinet, an Olympic medal has eluded her. Despite taking a fresh path, the Arjuna awardee is keen on winning an Olympic gold before she throws in the towel for good. She is confident that world amateur governing body, AIBA, will grant her green signal to pursue both.
"I have won medals in every competition that I took part till now except the Olympics — I would love to win that bright yellow metal before I hang up my gloves," she remarked. "AIBA has ruled that professional boxers will be allowed to take part in AIBA events. Even in national competitions, professionals also will be allowed."
Unlike amateur boxing (women), boxers are not permitted to wear head guards. That is one thing that Sarita is wary of. She is looking to overcome the fear with longer hours in training. "Well, since professional boxing is without headgear and has longer rounds, it's definitely quite tough in training. Playing without headgear is going to be my biggest test," she signed off.