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Wednesday 15 August 2012

What does the future hold for olympic boxers?

The refreshing difference this time is that at least two of the biggest headline-makers from the ExCeL are thus far resolutely refusing to consider taking potentially lucrative sums to move into the paid ranks.  While it is a little ambitious to consider that Anthony Joshua may be around to defend his Olympic title in Rio in 2016, he certainly spoke convincingly enough in the wake of his win to suggest he will stay amateur until next year's World Championships.  Who knows where such a lead would leave the others? Seeing the sport's talisman resist the lucre may well convince some that there is more reason to remain part of the close-knit team in Sheffield.  The amateur game is changing to the point where it is barely amateur at all. The world governing body AIBA are pushing through a so-called 'amateur professional' programme which will see top stars sign long, guaranteed contracts.  Contrast it to the professional game where top promoters are struggling for television revenue like never before, and where only the very best achieve an annual income which eclipses that of the elite lottery funded amateurs.  Here we reflect on the team's historic 2012 Olympics, and ask in turn what the future holds for the fighters themselves:  ANDREW SELBY: Brother Lee's professional career may well tip the balance for Selby. But the young Welshman might find it hard to match his guaranteed salary as one of the amateur sport's big stars.  LUKE CAMPBELL: Claims to be keeping his options open, but is highly likely to take his pick from a number of offers that have come his way. Having achieved his lifelong dream, has little left to prove.JOSH TAYLOR: For Lochend youngster Taylor, London was a superb learning experience. His big day is yet to come when he hopes to represent Scotland in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.  THOMAS STALKER: Time is not on Stalker's side, but it is hard to see the likeable Liverpool fighter committing to the amateurs after the despair of his controversial Olympics defeat to Mongolia's Munkh-Erdene Uranchimeg.  FRED EVANS: Evans had a glorious Olympics, finishing with silver, and while he will certainly be courted by the pros, it would not be a big surprise to see him take a lead from Joshua, and stick around a little longer.  ANTHONY OGOGO: A virtual certainty to go professional. Ogogo's looks and personality will make him big box office and he will be top of the list of a number of promoters. Has the style to make it as a pro too.  ANTHONY JOSHUA: Joshua is adamant he will not take the first sizeable sum that has been flung his way. First, he wants to win gold in Kazakhstan next year. Then he will deserve which ever big deal takes his fancy.  NICOLA ADAMS: For gold medallist Adams, like her female team-mates, there is little point giving up the chance to go to another Games in order to join the virtually non-existent pro circuit. Adams will push for Rio.  NATASHA JONAS: Emerging from the Games with great credit after the fight of the tournament with Katie Taylor, Jonas is also likely to aim for Rio. Her biggest challenge could be keeping the young girls she has inspired at bay.  SAVANNAH MARSHALL: Marshall was the biggest disappointment of the London Games but she has plenty of time to come again. At 21, she has proved she can go all the way. Do not be surprised to see her do it in Rio.

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