Singh had risen to prominence as the star of Indian boxing having claimed bronze in the under 75 kilogram middleweight division at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, only losing to Cuba’s Emilio Correa in the semi-final.

The 29-year-old also competed at London 2012  but failed to win a medal by having been beaten in the quarter-final by Uzbekistan’s Abbos Atoev.

He was expected to be one of his country’s leading medal hopefuls at Rio 2016, but having now signed a lucrative multi-year promotional deal with Queensberry Promotions, a London-based company run and owned by Francis and George Warren, sons of legendary boxing promoter Frank Warren, through IOS Sport and Entertainment, Singh will not compete at the Games.

Only boxers who compete under the control of International Boxing Association (AIBA) Pro Boxing are able to be professional and retain their Olympic eligibility. 

"I'm excited to turn pro and looking forward to the new chapter of my life,” said Singh.

“I want to train hard and perform for my country at the global level.

“My immediate goal will be to work hard and make a good boxing record in the next year or so."

Singh has been a regular source of medals for India at multi-sport Games, winning two silver and one bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, as well as a gold and a bronze at the Asian Games, in addition to his Olympic award.

But two years ago he found himself at the centre of huge controversy in India after it was claimed he had taken heroin brought from alleged smugglers.

He subsequently took a drugs test which was negative, meaning he escaped further investigation.  

The 29-year-old is now set to base himself in Manchester as he embarks on his professional career and will work under the tutelage of train Lee Beard, who had previously worked with Britain’s light welterweight boxing legend Ricky Hatton.

As part of the agreement, Singh is due to compete in a minimum of six fights in his first year.

Neerav Tomar, managing director and chief executive of IOS Sports & Entertainment claimed Singh turning professional will be good for India.

"It's an historic moment for Indian boxing with Vijender turning pro,” he said.

“He's a top fighter and is extremely motivated to train hard and perform.

“Vijender will be the flag bearer for a nation of over billion people."

Related stories
April 2013: Olympic boxing medallist Singh tests negative for heroin
April 2013: Indian boxing star Singh takes drugs test following heroin allegations
April 2013: Indian Olympic medallist at centre of heroin allegations