dna had reported earlier that Vijender has been making serious efforts to compete in the last Olympic Qualification Tournament for pro boxers in Venezuela from July 3 to 8 after AIBA's change in rule last week allowed pro boxers to take part in Rio.
Vijender Singh is facing a big dilemma. On the one hand, he has a booming professional boxing career ahead of him but on the other, he may have to forget about representing his country again in the Olympics.
His promoter, Francis Warren, made it clear that he doesn't like the idea of Vijender taking part in the 2016 Rio Olympics. "I would not allow Vijender to return back to the amateur circuit after spending huge amount of money on him for the last seven months", Warren said here on Monday.
dna had reported earlier that Vijender has been making serious efforts to compete in the last Olympic Qualification Tournament for pro boxers in Venezuela from July 3 to 8 after AIBA's change in rule last week allowed pro boxers to take part in Rio.
However, Vijender's UK-based promoter, Queensberry Promotions, have asked the Bhiwani boxer to forget about his aspirations.
During a press conference to announce Vijender's opponent for his WBO Asia Pacific fight on July 16, Warren seemed quite angry about all the talk surrounding the Beijing Olympics bronze medallist's chances of qualifying for Rio.
"It's not possible for him. He has got a championship fight on July 16 and, for that, he will be training in Manchester. He will be training to excel in his professional career. If he keeps on thinking about Olympics, then I'll be bad guy here," Warren said.
"The timing (Venezuela qualifiers and Asia Pacific bout) doesn't allow him to concentrate on Rio. I won't be comfortable with the idea. It would be a backward step for Vijender if he wants to box as an amateur boxer."
He added: "What will happen if he gets a cut or injures himself during the qualifiers? He won't be able to fight on July 16. Who's going to reimburse me for holding this press conference in Delhi? Who will reimburse for seven months and so much amount of money I have invested in Vijender to make him a world-class professional boxer? The effort was for Asian title, not some Rio Olympics."
On the other hand, Vijender looked unperturbed by Warren's words and said he would do everything possible to compete in the Olympic qualifiers.
"The promoters will take the decision, that's true. But they are not the only ones to decide as they have to also consider my wish. If we keep the contract and WBO title fight aside, then I'll have every right to discuss the matter with them. Olympics is a dream and I'll definitely love to go to Rio," Vijender said.
"My promoters are saying that they have spent so much money on me. Tell me, if I am not happy, then what's the use of that money? They can't take the decision alone," he added.
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