Newark Boxing Icon Takes Indian Phenom Under His Wing

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A two-time Olympian and one of the most decorated amateur boxers in Indian history will kick off his pro boxing career in the U.S. this week.

Vikas Krishan, who trains with Newark-based coach Wali Moses at Brick City Hitters in East Orange, will enter the ring on Jan. 18 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Boxing fans in Essex County will likely recognize the name of Moses, the grandfather of 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Shakur Stevenson, who called Krishan an “inspiration” to the local community.

“We’re glad to have him here with us,” Moses said of the Indian boxing phenom.

Krishan, who began boxing at 10-years-old, won a gold medal at the 2010 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. Representing India at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, Vikas is the only Indian fighter to win gold medals at the Asian and Commonwealth Games. Before going pro in 2018, Krishan became the first three-time Asian Games medalist in Indian history when he won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the Asian Games.

Krishan said that he isn’t planning on giving up any steam heading into his U.S. debut.

“I am ready to be a world champion,” he said during a recent a press conference held by the Jersey City Asian Merchants Association.

Krishan also offered glowing words for the man he’s entrusting with his boxing career in the U.S.

“Coach Wali is like a father to me here,” he said. “I am honored to be a part of the Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life family.”

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Photos courtesy of CC Minton