IMPHAL, Dec.19: Asian medalist boxer Laishram Sarita Devi will become the first women boxer from India to turn professional. She has been allowed to play professional boxing by the Manipur State Government, according to a press release of Indian Boxing Council (IBC).
“Sarita will be contesting as a professional boxer under the aegis of the Indian Boxing Council, the governing body for control and operations of professional boxing in India,” says the release (IBC). “The ace Manipur boxer has signed a two-year deal with IBC’s commercial partners – Sporty Boxing Private Limited, who will also support Sarita in her endeavour to promote boxing in her home State.”
The Deputy Superintendent with the Manipur State Police, Sarita Devi has been allowed by her department and the State Home Department to participate in professional boxing under the aegis of IBC, headed by India’s ace boxing and sports administrator, Brig PK Muralidharan Raja. “I was on a curve where one needed to make crucial decisions about the competitive playing career. I can’t think of living without boxing. I was also thinking of giving back to the sport that has given me name, fame, recognition and pride to represent the country. I needed an opportunity to extend my playing career; and finances to live up to my dream of promoting talent in Manipur,” says Sarita Devi. “The tie-up with Sporty Boxing gives me both. There was not a second thought on my mind.”
There was no reason Sarita will not love being a professional boxer. After all, the daughter of an agriculture farmer has been inspired by achievements of legendary Mohammad Ali. “I am a professional boxer now. I have already started training as a pro. I am training hard. My first target is an Asian title in the next six months. My ultimate goal is to retire as a World Champion. Professional boxing gives me the opportunity to pursue my dreams.”
A former world and national champion, Sarita is remembered for her stand against the powers that be when she had refused to accept her bronze medal at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Same year, Sarita bagged a silver at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. But, there were not many opportunities to justify her talent. However, Sarita believes there is still three to four years of competitive boxing left in her. All she wants now is new opportunities, and there will be “plenty of them” after her decision to become a professional,the release added.
