Pune: Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom has expressed that boxing as a sport in India is at a threshold point with the success of Venky’s Mumbai Fighters in the ongoing World Series Boxing season 2011-12. The Indian franchise’s impressive show has further enhanced the reputation of India’s rise on boxing’s global map.
The Manipuri ‘Supermom’ has been training at Venky’s Mumbai Fighters’ facilities in the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune, for a week now. While the Fighters are focusing on their upcoming quarterfinal match against Azerbaijani outfit Baku Fires, Mary Kom’s sole focus is the London Olympics.
On Thursday, Mary Kom said, “Indian boxing has been on a high for last few years. With positive results and developments like these (Indian franchise at World Series of Boxing), the sport’s profile has received a tremendous boost. For the first time, India witnessed boxing as a complete package, thanks to Mumbai Fighters’ presence at WSB, Indian Boxing Federation and Sports Authority of India. It not only promotes Indian boxers but also brings in global talent and the exchange of ideas can only better the future of the sport here. Indian boxing has entered a new era.”
Speaking about the facilities at Balewadi, she said, “This is one of its kind complex and is much required for the holistic development of sports in India. This is an ideal place for grooming sporting talent in India. I hope that we see this kind of complexes in many more cities.”
Joe Clough, Technical Director of Pro Boxing, Venky’s Mumbai Fighters, too was impressed with Mary Kom. He said, “Mary has tremendous fitness levels, especially for a mother of two. Her skill sets are impressive. What Mary Kom has done for women’s boxing in India is exemplary. She is an inspirational figure for all the upcoming women boxers & athletes in India.”