It’s been more than five months, but Nishant Dev still regrets his fight against Mexico’s Marco Verde. Refereeing and judging have long been sore points in amateur boxing, but the 4-1 split judgement in Nishant’s loss to Mexico’s second seed in the Paris Olympics quarter-final inflicted “irreparable damage” to his motivation. Nishant is a die-hard fan of US boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and has always wanted to pursue a career in professional boxing.
He never looked far for inspiration. He competes in the 71kg class (light-middleweight), one of the divisions in which Mayweather Jr. became world champion. The fact that boxing was not on the first calendar for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics was also a trigger. With sport’s future in the quadrennial Games uncertain, Nishant said it was pointless to “waste my best years” waiting for a final decision from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Nishant Dev is 24, and the next Games could be his last chance to medal. Nishant’s original contract with promoter Matchroom Boxing is for three years, although he is willing to return to the amateur circuit closer to LA 2028 if boxing remains in the Olympics. He is currently sweating it out in Las Vegas under the guidance of his American coach, Ronald Simms.
Indian Amateur Boxing Losing Its Shine
Nishant Dev will make his debut against a yet-to-be-announced US pugilist in a six-round undercard contest before Steve Nelson and Diego Pacheco’s super middleweight clash. The most significant differential has been the mental adjustment. Boxers in the amateur code are primarily concerned with scoring points to win, whereas professionals seek to wear down opponents over time, with knockouts serving as a significant motivation.
Nishant said Boxing’s future at the Olympics doesn’t look too promising so I felt it’s best to start (in pro boxing) when you are quick and strong. Our accomplished boxers such as Vijender Singh and Vikas Krishan turned pro after a long innings as amateurs and could never really get much success. Amateur boxers do not have clarity on boxing’s future, so no point in sitting and hoping.
