Indian boxer Nishant Dev has made a transformative decision in his career that will forever change the trajectory of his professional journey—he will no longer be pursuing his aspirations for an Olympic medal. The 24-year-old athlete, who gained attention for his performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, has chosen to shift his focus entirely to professional boxing. Nishant, a two-time National Champion, recently took to Instagram to announce this monumental step, telling his followers that he is now fully committed to becoming India's first-ever world professional boxing champion.
This decision follows his near-miss at the Paris Olympics, where Nishant competed in the 71kg weight category. His loss in the quarter-finals to Mexico's Marco Verde Alvarez was heartbreaking, as Nishant believed he had the bout in control. Despite winning the first round 4-1 and showcasing his superior technique and striking in the second, the judges controversially scored the rounds in favor of Alvarez. The decision was met with frustration by many, including Nishant himself, who felt robbed of a chance to bring home not just a bronze, but potentially a gold medal. His words after the loss echoed the sentiment of disappointment: "I was seeing myself getting such a gold medal because I had defeated the person with whom I had a fight before and I had defeated him in this fight too, but the point of view of the judges was different and I was not at all happy with their decision."
Nishant's loss in Paris sparked a significant online debate regarding the fairness of the refereeing. Fans and analysts alike voiced their opinions, with many suggesting that India was "robbed of a medal." The match, which was expected to be a turning point for Indian boxing, turned into a point of contention as people analyzed the scoring. Nishant had clearly dominated his opponent in the first two rounds, landing effective and powerful jabs and hooks, but the judges still sided with the Mexican boxer, putting Nishant at a disadvantage in the overall tie.
The controversy did not deter Nishant's resolve, though. He expressed his readiness to leave the amateur scene behind and embrace the new opportunities that professional boxing would provide. “I enjoyed my time as an amateur boxer and competed at the very highest level in the Olympics and won a World Championship medal,” Nishant shared, emphasizing that while he cherished his experiences in amateur boxing, he was now fully prepared to embark on this new chapter. His move into professional boxing, he said, was driven by the goal of achieving greatness on a global scale.
This transition to professional boxing will be supported by Nishant’s new trainer, former professional boxer Ronald Simms. Nishant has expressed confidence in his partnership with Simms, noting that the former fighter’s experience and expertise in the ring will be invaluable as he navigates the competitive world of professional boxing. "I’m working hard every day with my trainer Ronald Simms. I know I have the right team behind me and the biggest promoter in the world to ensure that I reach the very top in the sport,” Nishant stated.
Nishant’s upcoming professional debut is scheduled for January 25 in Las Vegas, a prestigious location that marks the beginning of his journey in the international boxing circuit. His supporters are eager to see how his skills and experience from the amateur scene translate to professional bouts. The Indian boxer has made it clear that he intends to represent his country at the highest level and bring home titles that would make India proud. With a clear vision of becoming India’s first-ever world professional boxing champion, Nishant’s journey in the world of professional boxing has the potential to inspire countless other athletes in India to pursue their dreams in combat sports.
The backing he has from one of the world’s most prominent promoters will only enhance his opportunities to rise through the ranks of professional boxing. Nishant’s decision marks a critical juncture not just for his own career, but for the future of Indian boxing on the global stage. The country has been home to talented amateur boxers, but Nishant’s success could be the spark needed to push Indian boxing into the limelight of the professional arena.
Nishant's transition also underscores a growing trend in Indian sports, where athletes are increasingly making the switch to professional levels, encouraged by the rising popularity of sports like boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), and wrestling. Professional boxing, especially in international circuits, offers opportunities for lucrative contracts, global recognition, and the ability to compete against the best in the world.
The support of his fans and India’s boxing community is crucial for his success in the coming years, and Nishant has made a heartfelt appeal for continued backing as he embarks on this new journey. "I know I have a whole nation behind me to help me achieve this," he stated, aware of the weight of expectations but motivated by the desire to break barriers and set new benchmarks for Indian athletes in the sport of boxing. As his professional career unfolds, all eyes will be on Nishant Dev to see if he can fulfill his dream and make history in the world of professional boxing.
