Boxing: Olympic champion considers turning professional

Britain's Olympic middleweight boxing champ James DeGale is considering an offer of "nearly two million pounds" to turn professional rather than defend his title at the London 2012 Olympics.

The 22-year-old fighter also said that at the moment "60 per cent of me is thinking of staying amateur" but that the future of his coach Terry Edwards was an important factor.

Hammersmith-born DeGale expects to make an announcement on his future by the end of October and will spend this week speaking to Edwards, the performance director, who led Britain to their best Olympics since 1956, UK Sport and promoters.

DeGale, 22, told PA: "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.

"If I do or do not go over (to being professional) everyone will soon find out."

DeGale is among many in the British squad who are fiercely loyal to Edwards who helped steer them to success in Beijing.

But a shake-up within the sport has left Edwards, dubbed "Dad" by his young boxers, in the dark about what his future will be for 2012.

Losing Edwards would be a big blow to the elite boxing programme and some fighters might want to leave the amateur ranks, according to DeGale.

He said: "He (Edwards) has proved himself.

"He is like a second Dad to us.

"When he has to be hard, he is hard. It is the whole vibe and communication with him that just works.

"It would be nice if he could stay."

Another key factor on whether DeGale leaves the amateur ranks is the opinion of his mother Diane and father Leroy.

He said: "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."

He has had four or five weeks off and been back in the gym in the past week "doing little bits (to keep fit), nothing too intense".

DeGale said he would be speaking this week with Edwards, promoters and UK Sport to see "if they will come forward with a good package for 2012".

DeGale said: "But by the end of October you will know what I will do whether I go professional or stay amateur."