Olympic medallist Mary Kom considering pro boxing move: Aiming to make a comeback

Mary Kom hints at a professional boxing comeback after her amateur career ended due to age limits. The six-time world champion is still chasing greatness.

In Short

• Mary Kom is considering a professional boxing career
• She is past the age limit for amateur boxing
• Kom won the 2012 Olympics bronze medal

Olympic bronze medallist and six-time world champion Indian boxer M C Mary Kom has said she is considering a move into professional boxing. The 43-year-old, who won bronze at the 2012 London Games and became the first Indian woman boxer to win an Olympic medal, is now past the age eligibility to compete in amateur boxing.

Mary Kom spoke about her career highlights and plans on the sidelines of the Sundays on Cycle event. She said winning six World Championships was incredible, but age restrictions have limited her participation in amateur boxing for the country.

"What can I say about the high points? Winning six World Championships was incredible. Although I reached a stage where age restrictions prevented me from competing further in amateur boxing for the country, a new opportunity has surfaced in Professional Boxing," said Kom.

"A new opportunity has surfaced in professional boxing," she said. "I am currently taking some time to consider it. I am working hard and trying to make a comeback to show people what I can still do."

Widely regarded as one of the greatest amateur boxers, Mary Kom also emphasised her commitment to grassroots development through her academy in Manipur. She mentioned the challenges she faces due to the situation in Manipur, but remains dedicated to her work.

"Personally, I am very involved with my academy. I travel back and forth quite often, sometimes it becomes difficult due to the current situation in Manipur; things can get tough there," she said.

Mary Kom added that even when she cannot be physically present at the academy, she manages and oversees its functioning through phone calls.

"My dream is to stay fit for as long as I can, regardless of age," she stated.

As India prepares to host major global sporting events such as the 2030 Commonwealth Games and possibly the 2036 Olympics, Mary Kom stressed the importance of sport in building international recognition.

Mary Kom won a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics and enjoyed a legendary run at the World Championships, where she clinched six gold medals (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2018), along with a silver (2001) and a bronze (2019).

She also secured a gold (2014) and a bronze (2010) at the Asian Games, a gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and added to her dominance with five gold and two silver medals at the Asian Championships between 2003 and 2021.

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