Joyce to turn pro next year

Joyce, who won Olympic silver in the super-heavyweight class in Rio this year, is ready for the transition which would see him fight some of the biggest hitters in world boxing.

Going into a highly competitive heavyweight division is set to be a tough task for Joyce but one which he is relishing with a punchy determination.

"I think it's the right time, back in 2014 it was too soon and I'm at a much better stage now. I'm more experienced and I'm ready to join the pro ranks," said Joyce.

"I want to do a similar thing to what I did in the amateurs – be the most decorated.

"I'm the most decorated amateur boxer, I've won a lot of medals and so I'd like to do a similar thing in professional boxing – British, European, Commonwealth and then going for a World title."

The success that Joyce had in amateur boxing brings both a reputation and expectation that makes him hot property for potential promoters.

Once he sorts out the commercial side, he is then hoping for a busy 2017 schedule to prove his worth in the ring.

He added: "I'm in the process of selecting a promoter. I'm waiting until I get all the offers on the table and then I can make an informed decision but I've got ideas.

"I'll be looking to box six to eight times throughout the year and then maybe go for the British title at the end of next year or the beginning of 2018."

Following his last amateur fight in Rio, Joyce feels that his experience on the Olympic stage gives him an advantage when starting his professional career.

His friend and sparring partner Anthony Joshua made the same change in 2013 and his rise to IBF world heavyweight champion is one that Joyce knows all too well.

"It's a great platform to be boxing in the Olympic Games. Very few have competed in the Games and it's great for Joshua to be where he is following his change to pro," said the 31-year-old.

"Pro boxing is more entertaining, without the head protection you can actually see the boxer and not just someone with a blue or red head guard.

"I'm a step ahead of the crowd and happy that I stayed in the Team GB squad and achieved that goal.

"Even before Joshua's Olympic Games in London I was sparring with him and it's good to train with him in Sheffield.

"When preparing, what better sparring can I have and what better can he have?

"I've also been training with Frazer Clarke and Daniel Dubois recently and the set up in Sheffield is great for my development."

Sportsbeat 2016