Former world medallist boxer Sarjubala set for pro debut

Former world championships silver-medallist Sarjubala Devi is all set to make her debut in the professional circuit on February 26, when she will take on Tanzania’s Kayage Lulu Gaithabi in a 51kg category showdown in Dubai.

The diminutive former youth world champion is registered with the Indian Boxing Council. The 31-year-old Kayage has seven wins against six losses in her professional career.

“I have been training really well. Although it is the same sport, there is a lot of difference in amateur and professional boxing. I used to box three rounds earlier, now it is going to be six rounds, so I am preparing myself for it,” the Manipuri pugilist, who was also a multiple-time national medallist during her amateur days, said in a statement.

“It is not just skills; it is a lot more than that. Since the bouts are longer with more rounds, endurance is a big requirement.

“Apart from the regular gym workouts, I am also going for long runs with my trainers, so that I have the endurance for Pro fights. It is exhaustive, but I am enjoying it,” she added.

The 28-year-old also hoped that amateur boxers find more support for turning professional from the Boxing Federation of India.