Patiala boxer makes impressive debut in professional boxing

Former national champion Kuldeep Singh made an impressive debut in professional boxing by defeating Divanshu 3-0 in 91-kg heavyweight category at AIBA Pro Boxing Night held in Noida on Saturday.

It had been not easy for the 27-year-old to establish his career in boxing as he hails from Shadipur village of Patiala district, where adopting sports as a professional career is a dream. In 2002, he started boxing during his school years for pleasure and got inspired by senior players and made up his mind to pick boxing as his profession.

After fighting odds, in 2007 he became the national champion in 75-kg weight category and following year was declared the best boxer. Meanwhile he retained the title till 2010. During his boxing career, he represented India at various international platforms and brought laurels to the country. He was one of the toughest competitors of the Olympic bronze medalist Vejinder Singh.

Speaking on his debut, Kuldeep said it had been a very learning and skillful experience. Proboxing needs more endurance as compared to amateur. “Earlier government department created hurdles for taking part in pro boxing competitions. Now AIBA opened professional boxing gates for amateur boxers, which has turned into the golden opportunity for me,” said Singh, who is a Indian Railways employee.

He informed that after Rio Olympics, he will decide to turn into a full-time professional because it has been difficult to create a balance. He showed gratitude towards Neeraj Goyat for organising pro-boxing night for the first time in India.

He is nurturing his pro-expertise under coach Ram Singh who runs boxing a centre at Public College, Samana where around 100 boxers hone their skills.

Ram Singh said he gave some special tips about the pro-boxing to Kuldeep and had also structured challenges, which boxers faced in the ring, for him. “It has been a good trend that now boxers are getting into professional boxing fold,” Ram Singh added.