James DeGale has set his sights on punching his way into boxing's hall of fame and cementing lengendary status, having finally made the transition from amateur to professional this week.
The Olympic middleweight gold medallist from Harlesden is one of the latest additions to the stable of renowned boxing promoter Frank Warren, it was announced on Tuesday, along with fellow Beijing Olympians Billy Joe Saunders and Frankie Gavin.
22-year-old DeGale, who has signed a two-year deal worth £1.5million, said: "I'm made for the pro game, trust me. I've been in professional gyms, sparred with British and Commonwealth champions and held my own, so imagine what I will be like in a few years with more experience and more training. I'm going to be very good and I'm looking forward to it.
"It was always in my head to turn pro anyway, become world champion and get all that glory. Two weeks of performing well has tipped my life upside-down."
And what are the chances of elevating himself to the same standing in world boxing as Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe?
"If I can achieve even half of what the likes of Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe have done then I will be a very happy and humble man. It would be nice to become a legend and I'm confident I can be."
Displaying the same kind of outlandish confidence as Prince Naseem Hamed in his pomp, DeGale admits accepting the carrot of turning pro, not to mention the trappings of success that come with it, was the 'hardest decision of my life'. However, a growing disillusionment and resentment of the Amateur Boxing Association certainly helped thrust him into Warren's arms.
DeGale had discussions with leading US promoters Bob Arum and Golden Boy, along with Hatton's Punch Promotions before plumping for Warren.
"Frank has been there and done it," said the southpaw. "He has a proven track record. He is a also a nice charming man and reminds me a bit of my dad."
The Wembley wonder will now concentrating on building his fitness ahead of his first fight, which is likely to be in February, with London's 02 Arena the likely destination.
"A part of me wanted to stay for 2012 but I had to think about what was best for my family and my future," he added. "I've achieved half of my dream
by becoming Olympic champion. Now it is time to do the other half [2014] go professional and become a world champion. I want to be the first British world champion to have won an olympic gold medal. We have not had that yet but, in my heart of hearts, I'm 100 per cent sure I can do it."
DeGale, along with Saunders and Gavin, will embark on a national tour in 2009. Fights are scheduled to take place in six major cities across Britain, with all three fighters appearing on the same bill.
