Boxer Vikas Krishan plans to turn professional with BFI's consent
Former Asian Games gold medallist Vikas Krishan has revealed his intention to turn professional by the end of this year if the Boxing Federation of India 's new policy allows professionals to participate in amateur competitions. The BFI is expected to announce its policy decision next month.
“I have plans to turn professional by the end of this year or the beginning of next year. I want the support of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). If our BFI President Mr. Ajay Singh is okay with the move, I will seriously consider it. The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has already ended the divide between amateur and professional,” Krishan told PTI from his training base in the United States.
“I want to compete for the country in amateur events and that is why I would wait for the national federation’s approval to turn professional. The new federation has been doing a good job of rebuilding boxing and it would be a morale-booster for me if the federation is with me in my decision whenever it happens.”
BFI secretary-general Jay Kowli recently announced that the federation will come up with a new policy to deal with the professional boxers by the end of March.
“We have been in touch with him (Krishan). As of now, there is no policy for professional boxers so we are neither supporting nor stopping anyone from going the professional way. We would thrash out a policy next month and boxers would be free to go professional after registering with us but within the ambit of AIBA rules and regulations,” Kowli said.
“As a former boxer, I am all for boxers getting the maximum out of their talent in every arena but as Secretary General of a national federation, I would have to ensure that discipline is maintained,” he added.
About his training schedule in the US, Olympian Krishan said: “It has helped me immensely. My endurance has improved drastically, which was a weak point of my overall game. I used to struggle to last three rounds but now I can sustain through six or even seven rounds. Sparring with professional boxers has helped me immensely.
“I have three sessions of two and half hours each daily.”