All set for his foray into the professional arena, Indian boxing star Vijender Singh asserted that his transition from the amateur circuit is like a new era in his life.
The London Olympics medalist has been training for more than a month under globally acclaimed trainer Lee Beard in Manchester. Vijender feels that his life has now totally changed with no fellow Indian boxers in the dressing room, no Indian food and no friends.
“It’s all together a different beginning of my life. I am really excited for a debut day and I am in shape as I stayed for more than one month in this gym with trainers like Lee Beard and Haroon Headley,” Vijender said.
“My trainers are new and it’s almost a month (sic) I am with them and I am the only one Indian boxer training here. In amateur boxing, there were like 2-3 boxers with me in the changing room all the time but right now I am all alone with my trainers so there is a difference. I just want to box hard that day,” he added.
With his debut scheduled for October 10, Vijender is training for eight to 10 hours a day. The 29-year-old from Haryana admitted that the practice sessions are much tougher than he was used to during his amateur days, but is confident of a winning start in the professional circuit.
“Training is really hard but I love to work hard. There is nothing easy because everything has changed now,” Vijender remarked. “It’s going to be amazing so just wait and watch. My aim is to make a winning start.”
The former world no.1 said that he was enjoying the experience of learning new techniques from his trainers and sparring partners and has already got used to the smaller gloves used in the professional circuit.