CHENNAI: “I’m not nervous. It’s way too early for that! Nervousness only sets in a day or two before the bout.” This was Akhil Kumar’s reaction on asked if he was having butterflies in the stomach ahead of his pro boxing debut, which is likely on April 1 in Mumbai.
Speaking to the 35-year-old, it’s easy to understand why he is so popular among his peers. He is boisterous yet thoughtful when speaking, and judging by the confidence he exudes, it’s hard to imagine him not succeeding in his new chapter.
“I’ve prepared well for my debut, and know I can deliver when the time comes. There’s still a month to go, and I’m confident my prior experience in the sport will help me adapt to this new challenge,” Akhil told Express on Saturday.
Akhil felt it will be easier for him to adapt as pro and amateur boxing are similar.
“There’s not much difference. I’ve fought many bouts without headgear, so that is not a matter of concern. Maybe there’ll be small technical changes that I need to be aware of, like the number of rounds, which will be much more. But apart from that, there shouldn’t be much to worry about.”
It was Neerav Tomar, Promoter, IOS Boxing Promotions, who first approached Akhil with the idea of turning pro. “I’ve known him for some time, and it was at his proposal that I gave it a thought. Point is that boxing has given me everything.
Who I am is because of the sport. I don’t want to lose that identity. Turning pro gives me a chance to continue doing what I love, while also helping me venture into something new and exciting,” noted the 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who along with former understudy Jitender Kumar signed their deals with IOS Boxing Promotions on Saturday.
The boxers will fight six bouts this year, starting with four-round contests on debut in the undercard of the Double Asian title fight featuring Vijender Singh. Akhil will compete in the super lightweight category, while Jitender will be seen in action in super featherweight. Their opponents are yet to be decided.
“Vijender, Akhil and I had decided soon after all of us made the Beijing Games last eight that we would one day enter pro boxing.
For one reason or the other, Akhil and I couldn’t get into it earlier,” Jitender noted. Akhil said he might seek tips from Vijender. “I haven’t spoken to him, but maybe a few days before my debut, I’ll do so. Until then, it’s just training and a lot of prayers,” concluded Akhil. raviiyer@newindianexpress.com