Top five Indian boxing Olympians who turned to Pro boxer

Indian boxing stars are creating new records on the global stage.

Amateur boxing has been India’s traditional turf, and many Indian boxers have successfully transitioned to the professional circuit, leaving their mark on the international scene.

These boxers have transcended national and Olympic success to compete in professional leagues, where strength, stamina, and tactical talent are put to the test at the highest level. On that note, let’s take a look at the top five Indian boxing Olympians who turned to professional boxers.

Nishant Dev

In the global world of international boxing, Nishant Dev has emerged as a highly admired talent from India. Nishant Dev signed a contract with Matchroom Boxing and announced his professional debut on January 11, 2025.

His professional debut took place on January 25, 2025, at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas against Alton Wiggins, where he secured a first-round knockout victory.

Before his Olympic campaign, Dev had already gained prominence on the global stage by winning a bronze medal in the 71 kg weight category at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Vijender Singh

Very few people have left a unique impact like Vijender Singh in the world of Indian sports and politics. Born on the threshold of winter in 1985, this middleweight boxer revolutionised boxing in India and emerged as a pioneer who broke age-old competitive barriers.

Singh’s boxing prowess extended far beyond a single competition. He was always proving his mettle on the Commonwealth circuit, winning an impressive haul of medals. Vijender Singh signed a multi-year promotional deal with Top Rank in November 2018 to develop his professional boxing career in the United States.

Neeraj Goyat

Neeraj Goyat was born in the early winter of 1991 and became a revolutionary face in Indian boxing, carving a distinctive path beyond the traditional confines of the sport. His story is marked by pathbreaking exploits that defied international boxing conventions.

Goyat achieved his career’s biggest achievement when he became the first Indian boxer to be ranked in the WBC world rankings. This was more than an individual victory; it was a defining moment for Indian boxing on the international stage.

Neeraj Goyat had beaten Xu Can in China in 2014 in what turned out to be a massive victory against the fighter who later emerged as WBA (Regular) featherweight world champion.

Mandeep Jangra

Born in April 1993, Mandeep Jangra was a vibrant presence in Indian boxing, transitioning seamlessly between the amateur and professional levels and earning incredible credentials.

In 2015, Jangra’s achievements were permanently etched in the history of Indian boxing when he was awarded the honorable Arjuna Award for his invaluable contribution to Indian boxing.

Mandeep Jangra became the WBF Super Featherweight World Champion on November 5, 2024, defeating Britain’s Conor McIntosh in the Cayman Islands. He became the first Indian boxer to become a world champion in professional boxing.

Amit Panghal

Born on October 16, 1995, Amit Panghal has become one of India’s top boxing stars while serving as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army. His amateur boxing career has been one of stunning success before his recent shift to professionalism.

Amit Panghal announced his transition to professional boxing in February 2025, signing with US-based agency Critical Sports and Entertainment. He will fight in the 54kg category

The move came after a period of turmoil within India’s amateur boxing hierarchy. His professional career began with the US-based agency Critical Sports & Entertainment, where he fought in the 54 kg category.

Panghal made the transition to professional boxing following complaints about several issues within the amateur boxing system, including restricted international competition opportunities, the trials process, conflicts with national coaching staff, and what he perceived as inadequate preparation for Olympic tournaments in Tokyo and Paris.

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