Gaurav Bidhuri fetches 2nd WSB stint, picked by USA Knockouts

Indian boxer Gaurav Bidhuri today bagged a second successive stint in the International Boxing Association's semi-professional World Series of Boxing (WSB) after being picked by USA Knockouts in the draft for foreign pugilists in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The flyweight 52kg boxer, who had an impressive run with the Italia Thunder last year after clinching a mid-season deal, was among the 34 boxers who were picked by 16 franchises in the draft held today.
Bidhuri was the lone Indian boxer in fray and reaped the rewards for a decent outing in the last season. Bidhuri fought six bouts for Italia Thunder and won three of them to create an impression.

Before that, he had competed for the now-disbanded Indian franchise Mumbai Fighters in 2011.
The Italian side had made the WSB quarterfinals last season before losing to Russia.
If he manages to better his performance this season starting January 15, Bidhuri can even fetch himself a berth in the Olympic Games next year. In his weight category, the top-three at the end May will make the Olympic cut.

USA Knockouts, who made the quarterfinals last season, are placed in Group B of the competition and will begin their campaign from January 22. However, the flyweight competition for the team is set for February 5.

Bidhuri is currently in the Chinese city of Qian'an as part of the Indian team for a training-cum-competition assignment.
He will work out the financial modalities of his deal with the US franchise after returning to the country.
Boxers in WSB compete without vests or headguards in 5 three-minute rounds -- 5 bouts per match -- under a 10-Point-System.
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An excited Bidhuri said he would look to fetch an Olympic quota place through WSB.
"Wow! I am so excited to play for my new team USA knockouts. Last time I missed the Olympic qualification by a small margin. But this time I won't take it easy. I have to make my country proud and try to qualify for the Rio Olympics," Bidhuri told