Vijender might try his hand in professional boxing

Star Indian pugilist Vijender Singh is open to the idea of competing in professional boxing as he feels with the headguards going out of the equation in the amateur arena, the dividing line between the two formats has blurred considerably.
Speaking to PTI, the strapping six-footer, who was content being an amateur till not too long ago, has had a change of heart after the recent rule change by the international body.
"I might give it a shot. There is hardly any difference between amateur and professional boxing given that headguards won't be there in both. I might agree if a good offer comes along in the AIBA Professional Boxing League," the 27-year-old said.

"I have trained quite a lot of times without a headguard. It's no big deal but any change at the competition level is adapted only over a period of time," he added.
Vijender has resumed training only recently after getting his name cleared in a damaging drug scandal. He had to undergo a NADA dope test following accusations of consuming heroin but the result was in his favour.
The former world number one middleweight boxer resumed his training at the Sports Authority of India Centre in Sonepat, instead of NIS Patiala, where he usually trains.
"I just wanted a break from the usual after what had happened. Even otherwise, the coaches are not in the country right now because they are out with various teams. So, I just came to Sonepat and I am being trained by Mr C Kuttappa (a coach close to him since his formative years)," said Vijender.

"National coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu told me I should check out Sonepat SAI centre, so I came here. SAI Director General was kind enough to allow me and it is a fantastic facility with all amenities," he added.