India, March 28 -- Nishant Dev showed courage and a big heart in his Paris Olympic fight against Mexican Marco Verde. He lost the 71kg quarterfinal by a split decision but opinions were divided on who won the contest. The way Nishant matched Verde, a professional fighter, blow-for-blow in a highly entertaining duel made it clear that he has the guts and skills to fight on the professional circuit.

Within a few months, Nishant decided to go professional. Indian boxers who have turned pro haven't actually set the stage on fire, but Nishant is determined to buck the trend. Signed up by prestigious boxing promotions-Matchroom, Nishant made his debut as an undercard to the super middleweight bout between Steve Nelson and Diego Pacheco at The ...