James DeGale believes he will thrive on the pressure when he makes his professional debut on Saturday night.
Debutant eager to get going in professional ranks
James DeGale believes he will thrive on the pressure of being an Olympic gold medallist when he makes his professional debut on Saturday.
The Londoner and two fellow former amateur stars, Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders, are all preparing for their first paid fights at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena.
DeGale, who won middleweight gold in the Beijing Olympics last summer, will begin a "new chapter" against Georgia's Vepkhia Tchilaia over four rounds on the undercard of Matt Skelton's Commonwealth heavyweight title defence against Belfast's Martin Rogan.
And DeGale is relishing the opportunity to finally get back in the ring.
"It's more excitement than nerves," he said.
"I'm more nervous about not performing well. I know I'm going to get the win, it's just the not performing well I'm more nervous about really. It's about making a statement.
Pressure
"All the pressure is on me, but I can take pressure. I thrive on it. I boxed in front of 11,000 people in the Olympic final with millions watching back at home, so I thrive on it and I enjoy it."
DeGale added: "It's a new chapter for me as a professional, something totally different, but I'm looking forward to it.
"Everyone knows I like being in the spotlight."
Gavin and Saunders will also make their debuts over four rounds and DeGale admits that, while a strong camaraderie exists among the trio, there is also a friendly rivalry.
"There is competition between us. They are wicked lads, but there is competition," DeGale said.
Laugh
"I don't want anyone to look better than me! But it is healthy competition, we have a laugh about it."
World amateur lightweight champion Gavin also faces a Georgian opponent in the shape of George Kadaria, while Saunders takes on Hungarian welterweight Attila Molnar.
Also on the bill is Don Broadhurst's Commonwealth super-flyweight title defence against Ghana's Isaac Owusu.
