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The Indian chapter of the World Series Boxing (WSB), the franchise-based league promoted by International Boxing Association (AIBA), suffered another body blow on Monday. After Team Delhi's main sponsor Videocon backed out citing unavoidable reasons, Indian boxing's poster boy Vijender Kumar too distanced himself from the big-money professional series.
According to the Beijing Olympic bronze medalist the WSB's clause that restricts its boxers from representing country at events like Asian and Commonwealth Games forced him to take the decision.
"I gave a lot of thought and I have ultimately decided that I will not be signing the contract for the World Series of Boxing. The main reason is that I want to continue to represent India in more competitions. If I sign up for WSB, I would no longer be a amateur boxer. And that means I can't represent India in events like Asian Games. Why should I sacrifice all that to turn pro right now? Vijender told The Indian Express.
Vijender's stand can also make things difficult for Indian Boxing Federation as it looks for a new sponsor after Videocon's pull out.
In case Team Delhi fails to get its act together in time, it will be a big setback for WSB. During the Commonwealth Games, AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu had said that the Delhi franchise was an important part of the series despite the sponsor's pullout. But despite AIBA President's assurance, the IBF isn't clear about the future of WSB in India. "There was a meeting during the Games in which the AIBA chief had said that the event will go on but as of now we have not received anything in writing nor is anything fixed about the funding," Col AS Dagar, director IBF said. Regardless of the funding issue, Vijender seems to have made up his mind.
"No, even if all the controversies iron out, I will not be putting my name for the Series. Besides, they have listed me for 85 kgs category. With just a month to go for the event, I have to gain 10 kgs," Vijender, who participates in the 75kg category, said.
The WSB perk of giving an Olympic berth to the winner too doesn't impress Vijender. "I don't agree that World Series of Boxing is some sure shot way of making it to the Olympics. 2012 is also my main aim and I am concentrating on that. After World Championships, qualifying tournaments for Olympics will begin," Vijender said.
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