Benjamin Whittaker is going pro

Yesterday it was reported that Olympic champion Galal Yafai of Great Britain will turn professional this year. Yafai's compatriot Benjamin Whittaker, a freshly crowned Olympic silver medallist, made the same announcement today.

"Everyone trains to get the gold, so I'm disappointed. The time will come and maybe I will appreciate this medal more as I was on one of the strongest British teams in history. Every hour spent preparing was worth that performance. The last month before the Olympics was like a prison, but that's my life. From camp to camp," said Whittaker, who defeated light heavyweight Russian Imam Khataev in the semi-finals in Tokyo and lost to Rio Olympic champion Arlen Lopez (the Cuban won middleweight gold in 2016).

"After my comeback I'll enjoy some popularity, but I'm not going to change my approach. I haven't done anything yet, I need world titles to feel complete. I played soccer, danced, even rode a horse. I had ADHD, got kicked out of school. My dad finally signed me up for boxing and my life changed when I started taking the sport seriously," the Brit added.

"Next fight this year you will see me in the professional ring," the Wolverhampton boxer, reigning Olympic vice-champion, world championship bronze medallist and European finalist, said. Rumours now link him to Matchroom Group and the management company founded by Anthony Joshua: 258 Management.