Manipur is the home state of Laishram Sarita Devi and she is all set for her debut match scheduled on Sunday, 29th January 2016, in the professional boxing circuit against pro Zsofia Bedo of Hungary. Sarita Devi hit the fame when she became a world champion in the lightweight class and is widely known by her stand of refusing her bronze medal in Asian Games, which was criticized for by many. Now, a 31 year old, she is hitting the headlines by becoming the first ever Indian female professional boxer to take on pro boxing. How amazing will be her to fight in front of her own people?
In 2014, the fate of Sarita Devi took a controversial turn at the Asian Games when she refused to accept her bronze medal at the prize ceremony of the 57-60 Kg category. She stepped down of the podium leaving crowd, fans and authority in shock. She was banned for two years after which she is making her comeback later this month in professional boxing.
Later this month when she will face Zsofia Bedo of Hungry, the current World Number 29 at her home town not only she will become the first Indian female professional boxer but will start a new era for many female boxers to follow. Sarita’s opponent is a veteran in professional bouts with 19 wins and impressive knockout records. Sarita needs to train hard for remaining days because if she loses, it will a blow on female boxing.
Sarita is training hard with her coach 73-year-old American Joe Clough (earlier coach of Evander Holyfield). Her training schedule will be secret for many but be sure that once she takes on the mat that will be the answer to all her critics. Sarita Devi might have been a history if she hadn’t took the decision to turn professional. Sarita is happy to make comeback and we are happy to see her back again. With a bigger target for Asian title belt over next 6-8 months her journey will be worth following.