Indian boxing going through its toughest phase: Fernandes

International suspension coupled with the drug scandal that maligned Vijender Singh, has left Indian boxing grappling with its most "difficult phase" ever, feels the country's Cuban coach for over two decades -- Blas Iglesias Fernandes.
"Certainly, it is the most difficult period for Indian boxing. We have taken two very hard blows," Fernandes, the first foreign coach to be honoured with a Dronacharya award, told PTI in an interview here today.
"The suspension has affected a lot of things. There is no clarity about which tour we would manage to go and where we won't. Every tour is uncertain, it is very difficult," he said.

"Vijender, on the other hand, is the face of Indian boxing and it was a very bad episode. But he is very positive and wants to start training very soon. I am sure he would be ready for the World Championships," he added.
Vijender has already been cleared by the National Anti-Doping Agency after testing negative for heroine and is expected to resume training next week.
"He is an excellent boxer...I am sure he will come out stronger from this. In a way this forced break might help him be fresh for the World Championships and give a very good performance," said Fernandes optimistically.

The 56-year-old, who began his India stint way back in 1990, is, however, quite concerned about the the suspension imposed on Indian Boxing Federation in December last year. He feels if it is not lifted soon, performance of the boxers would be affected.
"There has hardly been any competitive contact with the ring after London Olympics and the performance would be affected. We have to wait and see how things go in the Asian Championships (June-July) and the World Championships (October)," he said.