I will get the big bucks in. Wait and watch: Vijender Singh

Vijender Singh's decision to turn professional might have garnered mixed reactions, but the Indian boxer is clear on the reason he took the decision.

"I want to show the world that India can produce professional boxers," Vijender told dna from London on Monday.

The 29-year-old signed a multi-year agreement with Queensberry Promotions, headed by promoter Francis Warren, who has managed some of Britain's best boxers in the last 25 years including 'Prince' Naseem Hamed, Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan.

It was a big decision for Vijender. It means he can no longer represent his country under the International Boxing Association (AIBA) rules. The man who had became the first Indian to bag an Olympic medal in 2008 won't participate in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Vijender said he needed a new beginning.

"It was a big decision, no doubt. I came to England to train, but the kind of professionalism I saw here, the team, the spark, I decided last week that I needed something new. It is difficult but it's a lot of hard work, and I can do that," he said.

The Haryana boy, who will fight in the middleweight category, insisted that he took this up not for the millions of dollars professional box can offer, but for the challenge.

"I'm very strong financially. Even my wife is. I took this because I am passionate about boxing. I see the boxers in the camp in India, they are not good. I want to show the world what we are capable of," he said.

Not representing the country any longer is a price Vijender is ready to pay.

"I'm the only one to have participated in three Olympics. I have won around 12 medals for my country. It's not that I will miss it. I did everything I could as an amateur for about 15 years. It's now time to move on," he said.
Vijender will train under renowned trainer Lee Beard, who has previously worked with Hatton, before making in debut in professional boxing around September.

"I'm really excited to train under him. He is an experienced coach, but the best part about things here is it's all about teamwork: coach, fighter, promoter.

And is he happy he was signed by Warren, a leading UK promoter?

"Of course. But even he is happy that he has Vijender Singh," he said.

An odd big fight between a Floyd Mayweather and a Manny Pacquiao aside, professional boxing is not quite popular in India. Vijender is hoping he becomes the catalyst for change.

"I will do it. People pay millions to watch Mayweather vs Pacquiao. Now they will pay me. I will get the big bucks in. Wait and watch," Vijender said.

Just like he inspired a generation to take up boxing in India, does he hope to do the same with his professional career.

"It will happen. This is new in India, a new beginning. I remember a saying that at first, people resist, but then they follow. The same will happen with this. It will take time," he said.

And what does he aim to achieve from this chapter in his life?

"Every day will be a challenge, a new beginning, a new fight. I want to show to the world that I can be one of the best in this," he shot back.

'Vijender to fight in India in 4-6 months'
India will be able to witness Vijender Singh fight professionally in about four to six months, according to Neerav Tomar, MD & CEO of IOS Sports & Entertainment, which manages the Indian boxer. "We will bring it to India in four-six months. India has never experienced something like this. Vijender will make his debut in September. Warren told me he was very excited with the Indian prodigy. It's a historic step towards bringing pro boxing in India," Tomar said.