Olympic gold medallist James DeGale has been tipped to become a professional world champion by trainer Jim McDonnell.
Gold medallist's trainer thinks he will be world champ
Jim McDonnell thinks his new fighter James DeGale will become the first British Olympic boxing champion to win a world title.
McDonnell trained Danny Williams to his win over Mike Tyson in 2004 and was also in the Brixton fighter's corner for his world title bout with Vitali Klitschko.
DeGale will make his professional debut along with Billy Joe Saunders and 2007 world amateur champion Frankie Gavin on February 28.
"James has a want and a will that you won't see in many individuals. He is so, so determined," McDonnell said.
Special
"I believe James will become the first gold medallist to become a world champion. It will take time. It might not be a smooth ride. There will be hurdles along the way. But this kid is something very special."
The 22-year-old DeGale signed a professional contract with promoter Frank Warren after becoming an Olympic gold medallist in Beijing. He believes that similar success will follow in the professional professional ranks.
"I see British boxers win world titles and I think 'that is me all over' - the big stadiums, the crowd, the lights," DeGale said.
"My first aim was to become an Olympian and the second aim is to become a professional world champion.
"I've achieved the first half of that so what is there for me to do now in the amateurs? Professional boxing will suit me."
Long road
Warren will guide DeGale, Saunders and Gavin in the professional ranks, planning between six and eight fights a year for each of them.
Warren said: "I believe they have the ability to go all the way. For me it is another lease in my boxing life and I am delighted to be involved with them.
"It is a challenge for me to ensure they get the best possible guidance moving forward to ultimately become not only world champions but multi-world champions. We want to see them unifying titles in years to come.
"But it is a long road. It starts in Birmingham as four-rounders on an undercard."
