Boxing: Anthony Joshua facing tricky start as professional against unbeaten Italian Emanuele Leo

Anythony Joshua has not fought since winning the Olympic super-heavyweight gold medal (Getty)

Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua will begin his professional career with a fight against unbeaten Italian Emanuele Leo at the O2 Arena in London on 5 October.

The 32-year-old Leo has won all eight of his fights to date including three by first-round stoppage, and presents stronger than usual opposition for a debut.

In addition, Joshua will jump str aight in at the six-round distance, at which Leo has already fought four times.

Joshua, who has not fought since winning the Olympic super-heavyweight gold medal against another Italian – Roberto Cammarelle – last summer, will share top billing with Scott Quigg's WBA super-bantamweight title fight against Yoandris Salinas.