Boxer Vikas Krishan to turn professional

‘I think this is right time because Olympics is no longer off-limits for professional boxers and that takes care of my dream of an Olympic medal’

One of India's most decorated amateur boxers, Vikas Krishan revealed on Wednesday that he will turn professional by the end of this year, putting into action a plan he originally wanted to implement after the 2016 Rio Olympics.

After defeating Zambia's Benny Muzio in the 75 kg bout and confirming a maiden Commonwealth Games medal by advancing to the semi-finals, he said he is now fully prepared to go ahead with his long-held ambition.

"I have made up my mind, I am turning professional at the end of this year. I will be holding discussions with the federation and I am hopeful that they would be supportive. I don't want to do anything which they resent," the middle-weight boxer said.

The 25-year-old Haryana pugilist has had an accomplished career, which includes an Asian Games gold medal, a World Championships bronze, Asian Championships silver and bronze and a quarter-final finish at the Olympics.

He had spoken about turning professional after the Rio Games but changed his mind after failing to win a medal.

"This time I am quite sure about it. I think this is right time because Olympics is no longer off-limits for professional boxers and that takes care of my dream of an Olympic medal. I just hope the federation supports me the way it has always supported me," he said.

Vikas appeared stronger and more agile boxer in recent competitions and was quite compact in his win over Muzio on Wednesday. The standout feature of his tactics against Muzio was a solid guard, which thwarted almost every attack thrown at him.

"Yes I have worked on my guard; I have become more sure of when to lower it and when to go into a shell. The timing has improved for me. I didn't pay enough attention to it in the past," he said.

"My strength and endurance has also improved so things are going pretty well for me. A lot of it has been possible because of the federation's support, I am really thankful to them," he added.

Next up for Vikas in the semi-finals of the ongoing Games is Northern Ireland's Steven Donelley.