Vijender Singh makes his Professional debut this weekend in Manchester. What are the changes he had to make in order to compete in the professional circuit? Here are 5 major differences between an amateur bout and a professional fight:
1. Rounds
Amateur boxing has 4 rounds of 3 minutes each. But in Professional fights a total of 12 rounds are contested. Naturally professional athletes are required to have more stamina, so as to box for 12 rounds.
2. Standing 8-Count
In an Amateur bout, if knocked down, a boxer gets 8 counts for a maximum of 3 times. But in Professional fights there is no such limit.
3. Injuries
In amateur boxing, a referee can stop the fight if a boxer starts bleeding. In Professional fights though, referees don't stop the fight until they feel it's life threatening.
4. No Mercy
In amateur ranks, referee can stop a bout if a boxer is trailing by more than 20 points. In the professional circuit, there is no mercy rule and the fight carries on no matter how big a lead one boxer takes over the other
5. Earnings
Amateur boxers compete for their country and to win individual medals. There is no money involved. But Professional fights are all about money and titles. Best example - one of the richest athlete in the world Floyd Mayweather, who is worth over400 million dollars.