Quote:
Anthony Ogogo, Olympic boxing medallist, turns professional
London 2012 bronze medallist Anthony Ogogo has signed his first professional contract, with his debut paid fight set to be announced shortly.
Middleweight Ogogo, 24, has joined Los Angeles-based promoter Golden Boy Promotions.
"Following the Olympics I've been looking to the future and considering a number of options," said the Lowestoft fighter.
Ogogo's honours list
Olympic bronze medal (2012)
European silver medal (2012)
ABAE Senior Boxer of the Year (2011)
Commonwealth Games silver medal (2010)
World Cadet Champion (2005)
World U17 Champion (2005)
Junior Olympics gold medal (2004)
"I feel that the time is now right to turn professional with Golden Boy."
Ogogo has been contemplating whether to turn pro since his podium finish at London 2012.
He produced a memorable Olympic moment when he upset Ukraine's world number one Ievgen Khytrov in a thrilling bout on his way to a bronze medal.
He said in October that he may have to forego his "massive desire" to go to Rio 2016 in favour of turning professional.
Ogogo's exploits in London dramatically raised his profile and attracted the attention of numerous promoters, including former world champion Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy organisation and the Barry Hearn-owned Matchroom Sport.
He opted to join Golden Boy, who released a statement which said a date, venue and opponent for Ogogo's professional debut will be announced shortly.
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GB's Ogogo beats world number one
"Anthony Ogogo has everything you look for in a boxer," said Golden Boy chief executive Richard Schaefer.
"He can fight, he has style and charisma and he has amazing crossover potential.
"I have no doubt that Anthony has the skills in the ring and the personality outside of it to make him a global boxing star.
"We are proud to have him on our team and this is just the first step in our growing commitment to British boxing."
"It has been very good working with Anthony over the last three years and he did extremely well to win a medal at the 2012 Games," said GB Boxing Performance Director Rob McCracken.
From the football field to the boxing ring
Anthony Ogogo played for Norwich City FC as a junior but has been competing in the boxing ring since the age of 12
"It is disappointing for us that Anthony has decided his future lies away from the GB Boxing squad but he departs with our best regards and we wish him every success in his future career."
Ogogo's honours list also includes a European silver medal (2012), Commonwealth Games silver medal (2010) and Junior Olympics gold medal (2004).
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/20854315
Good move, good luck. Must have been tempting to stay on for rio. I knew De La Hoya was a big fan but didn't think he'd sign him