Imphal, Jan. 30: Former lightweight world champion L. Sarita Devi's joy knew no bounds as she expressed her gratitude to the people of her state for their support.

Sarita made her debut in the professional boxing circuit at the Khuman Lampak indoor stadium boxing ring here last night, pinning Hungarian veteran opponent Zsofia Bedo down with a comfortable victory in the 3-0 lightweight category at the IBC Fight Night here last night.

Sarita, 34, said: "I am thankful to the people of my state for their overwhelming support. It is their support that helped me achieve what I did last night. I am also thankful to the Indian Boxing Council for holding the event here to help me realise my dream of achieving this feat in front of my home crowd. I will continue with my professional stint with more zeal. I will also extend a helping hand in promoting professional boxing in the state."

The All-India police pugilist took on Bedo with aggression right from the word go to clinch 40-34, 40-34, 40-33 points in the three rounds of her maiden appearance in professional boxing.

Bedo had reportedly taunted Sarita, saying that she would make her cry with a defeat in front of her home crowd. This added fuel to Sarita's aggression.

After a long amateur boxing stint of 15 years, Sarita took to professional boxing with the convincing win. She remained isolated from boxing for a year with an Indian Amateur Boxing Federation ban after she refused to accept a silver medal in the Incheon Asian Games in 2014. Bedo has been a veteran, having featured in 59 professional bouts and winning 19 titles so far.