DeGale considering his options

6:04pm Monday 6th October 2008

Olympic middleweight champion James DeGale is considering an offer of "nearly two million pounds" to turn professional rather than defend his title at the London 2012 Games.

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

DeGale said: "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 in the dark about what his future will be for 2012.

"He (Edwards) has proved himself. He is like a second dad to us," added DeGale.

"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."

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