Ring stays the same, punch line changes
To borrow from athletics, switching from amateur boxing to professional ranks is akin to a middle-distance runner taking up the marathon. In Vijender Singh’s case, one can add a fair dose of loneliness as well. Getting out of the comfort zone in India and shifting to the alien environment of Manchester has been a tough initiation.
For the triple Olympian, Indian boxing’s pin-up boy and first boxing medallist at the 2008 Beijing Games, it was hard landing. The initial session of hill running left the lungs and legs crying out in agony, marking a humbling introduction to a new world; the kind that breaks the resolve.
The world sees only the glamour and big bucks of professional boxing, but it is essentially sweat and toil in dingy training rings. It was a far cry from the demands amateur sport had made of him in an almost 15-year career.
BRUISED KNUCKLES
There were more testing moments in the beginning. Unlike in the amateur sport, the hands were taped so tightly and they turned blue, drained of blood. If that didn’t provide the shock, the lighter gloves left even the battle-hardened fighter nursing bruised knuckles.
No wonder it was almost a relief when his first two bouts arrived against British journeymen, wrapped up with a third round technical knockout against Sonny Whiting and a first-round knockout against fireman Dean Gillen. Back home for a break to celebrate Diwali with the family, it was a tougher and worldly wise Vijender that one interacted with on Friday as India’s best bet to go a fair distance in the unforgiving world of professional boxing shared his experience with Hindustan Times.
The earthy sense of humour, l aced with Haryanvi and Punjabi lines, was pretty much from the boy next door. But the glaze on the light grey jacket, a physique more compact than ever before, a new focus on diet — “I was told not to use any supplement because a positive dope test can mean a twoyear ban”, all reflected the wisdom of a top athlete embracing a world where glory belongs only to those who reach the pinnacle.
TAKING OWNERSHIP
For the 30-year-old, the move from Bhiwani to Manchester was a leap of faith in more ways than one. The training was an eye-opener. “In the amateur game, it’s a lot about speed. As a professional, power, defence is important,” said Vijender.
He put his physique down to gruelling training sessions, sparring with superior boxers, doing weights, running, etc. Those “3040 laps of swimming” appeared a leisurely way to build stamina, until he actually got into the pool and realised it was anything but a relaxing affair.
Like any boxer with standing, the initial bouts have hardly been an appetiser for the main course — other major contenders. The number of rounds, till now four, will extend to six when he takes on his next opponent on December 19.
The bouts will stretch from there on, and the workload off the ring will only go up. But Vijender is ready for the steep learning curve.
The trainers play a big role in the toughening process, inculcating discipline and making sure the boxer takes ownership.
“The trainers there don’t say anything. Here, if I threw a wrong punch, the coach would be immediately on to me, scold me. There they just watch you. They tell me that end of the day it’s my job; if I’m not sincere in training, I will be exposed in the ring.”
Not having competed for almost a year, it was tough. “The first month was like hell. When the first bout ended, I felt a lot more confident.”
SPORTS CULTURE
Training and the sports culture in Britain is also a new experience. “In 15 years, little (training methods) has changed at the NIS, Patiala. There, till you are tired, they don’t let you go.”
Food is another challenge. The desi ghee is a luxury now. Kicking off those habits that paid dividends as an amateur is a work in progress.
“In pro boxing there are more fouls, so defence is more important,” he said, raising his left guard to indicate how he needs to cover more of his body now.
OLYMPICS GAIN
Vijender acknowledges that his professional career is getting a push because of his achievements as an amateur, and the potential he brings to the table as an Olympic medallist.
“There were better boxers than me,” he concedes. His standing in India is such that he can draw in fans, on TV and ringside, if he makes a mark.
He gives himself two years to be in a position to battle for the belt. “Four years will be too long, I will be 34 then,” he smiles.
Besides the training, picking up trash-talking and showman- ship too are essential. There is admiration for the flamboyant Floyd Mayweather, and Vijender has indeed found fresh inspiration.
It is an arduous road ahead, but the pioneering spirit burns bright.