Mumbai Fighters sign up Akhil Kumar for World Series Boxing

Mumbai: Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Akhil Kumar will now be seen in action in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) after he was signed by the Mumbai Fighters, the only Indian team in the mega-event, on Thursday.

Akhil, who won a gold in Bantamweight (54 kg) at 2006 Commonwealth Games, said being associated with Mumbai Fighters would help him keep an eye on his ultimate aim of qualifying for the London Olympic 2012. "Boxing the pro way was always something that excited me and joining the Fighters will help me do that to a great extent. Being with them won`t only help me train and get in better shape, but also help me to keep an eye on my ultimate aim of qualifying for me is the London Olympic Games," said A the 2005 Arjuna awardee. "At the same time, India`s participation in WSB is going to change the boxing scenario in the country and I want to be a part of the historic moment and give back to the sport which has given me so much," he added. The Mumbai Fighters are all charged up and excited to have Akhil on board. "We are excited to have Akhil Kumar as a Fighter. He is a strong and experienced boxer with tremendous will power. Not only is he an icon but a leader from whom our team can learn," said Udit Sheth, the Team Principal of Mumbai Fighters and MD-CEO of TransStadia. PTI