After former boxing world champion Laishram Sarita Devi decided to turn professional, Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist boxer Pinki Jangra has decide to turn pro as well, reported PTI on Tuesday. However, she has not given up on her amateur career either.
The former National Champion has signed up with Sporty Boxing Private Limited, the commercial arm of the Indian Boxing Council, a licensing body for professional boxers in India. Jangra will now be training at the National Boxing Academy in Rohtak, where the IBC is currently conducting a camp for its women boxers.
“I have decided to turn professional, but I have not given up on my amateur career either. I am still aspiring for the Asian and Commonwealth Games next year. I have turned professional to gain in strength and endurance,” said Jangra. “The International Boxing Association has already ended the amateur-professional distinction by allowing professionals in National International tournaments. So I thought this is the right time to explore something new”.
The 26-year-old may make her professional debut along with Sarita Devi in a January 19 event against a yet-to-be-finalised opponent. “I will remain in flyweight and if all goes well, I will look to win the national title in three-four months’ time. After that, I will challenge for the Asian and world title as well,” she said. “Basically, I want to gain in strength and endurance, which I feel can come from training in the professional circuit,” she said. “I remain a boxer who will compete for India. Nothing changes apart from the fact that I would trying myself in a slightly different version of the sport,” she added.