DeGale contemplating professional offer
James DeGale bows down after his gold medal triumph
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Monday, 06, Oct 2008 09:30
Olympic boxing gold medallist James DeGale is weighing up an offer in the region of £2 million to turn professional.
The 22-year-old, who won the middleweight gold medal at Beijing, admitted he dreams of defending his title in London 2012, but the chance to make sure his family were financially secure would also play a major part in his decision.
"I'm not going to let too much out but it (the contract offer) is way over a million - nearly two million over a couple of years," said DeGale. "If I do or do not go over (to being professional) everyone will soon find out.
"I can go professional and secure the rest of my life. Mum and dad have a big say. They are a big part of my life. They just want the best for me but I do want to defend my crown in my own country - that is a big draw for me.
"Sixty per cent of me is thinking of staying amateur," added DeGale, who has been tipped for the top by middleweight legend Joe Calzaghe.
Though DeGale wants to win another gold medal in London, he also aspires to be a future world champion. The Hammersmith-born fighter has sparred with British and Commonwealth champions and felt he held his own and was confident of becoming a world champion some day.