Sarita Devi turns pro, eyes Asian Crown

Sarita Devi is a multiple time Indian National and a world champion. The ace Manipur boxer has signed a two-year deal with IBC’s commercial partners, Sporty Boxing Private Limited.

Sarita had once refused to accept her bronze medal at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

Sarita Devi, the ace Manipur boxer has turned professional to extend her career as she will be contesting as a professional boxer under the aegis of the Indian Boxing Council.

Sarita has signed a two-year deal with IBC’s commercial partners – Sporty Boxing Private Limited, who will also support her to promote boxing in her home State.

Giving Sarita a green signal to participate on professional circuit, the State Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Gaikhangam Gangmei said: "Manipur is proud that Sarita Devi, a DSP in Manipur Police will be participating in Indian Boxing Council's Professional Boxing Events and will be competing for National, Asian and World Boxing Titles."

After making a comeback in professional boxing, Sarita said, “I was on a curve where one needed to make crucial decisions about the competitive playing career. I can’t think of living without boxing. I needed an opportunity to extend my playing career; and finances to live up to my dream of promoting talent in Manipur”.

The daughter of an agriculture farmer has been inspired by achievements of legendary Mohammad Ali. “I am a professional boxer now. I am training hard. My first target is an Asian title in the next six months. My ultimate goal is to retire as a World Champion, said Sarita.

Sarita had refused to accept her bronze medal at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Same year, she bagged a silver at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. But, there were not many opportunities to justify her talent. However, she believes there is still three to four years of competitive boxing left in her.

IBC President, Brigadier P.K. Muralidharan Raja is confident that Sarita will emerge as a power to reckon with in pro boxing, “As a keen follower and veteran administrator of this sport, I have seen the career graph of this girl. This amazing talent somehow could not get right opportunities. She has the potential and commitment to be the flag-bearer and ambassador of this transformation."

Sarita, is a multiple time Indian national winner,a world champion and has also won Arjuna Award for her excellence. Not being able to qualify for the Rio Olympics was the biggest disappointment of her career. Her only dream now is to make up for that loss with achievements as a professional.