India, May 23 -- Punjab's Simranjit Kaur Baath has become the latest Indian boxer to take the leap into professional boxing, signing to be coached by former American professional boxer and 1988 Seoul Olympics silver medallist Roy Jones Jr.

While at least two Indian male boxers -- Nishant Dev and Amit Panghal -- have turned pro this year, Simranjit becomes the first Indian female pugilist in 2025 to do so. The 29-year-old, who competes in the light welterweight category (60-63kg), was part of the Indian team at the Tokyo Olympics, where she reached the round of 16.

Previously, Laishram Sarita Devi had made the switch in 2016 while keeping her amateur eligibility intact. Though the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) had earlier discouraged ...