Olympic Trio join Warren's Stable

Frank Warren, the British Boxing Board of Control licensed promoter and manager, has guided the careers of many British world champion boxers in his time including Frank Bruno, Naseem Hamed, Nigel Benn and more recently Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe. In advance of today’s announcement, Frank Warren commented: “These guys are the future of British boxing – James, Billy and Frankie are all fantastic lads, determined to prove themselves in the professional boxing arena.” “They all have a great pedigree at amateur level and are under no illusions of the hard work and commitment required to succeed. Their amateur records are second to none and I have no doubt that these boys are British world champion boxers in the making.” The three young boxers will embark on a national tour in 2009 with fights scheduled to take place in six major cities across Great Britain with them all appearing on the same bill. Details for the tour are yet to be confirmed but their debut professional outing is likely to take place in February. Prior to today’s unveiling, 2008 Olympic gold medallist James DeGale said: “My first aim was to win Olympic gold and the second is to become a professional world champion. Frank has a proven track record of nurturing young British talent and I can’t wait to get started with him. I have seen British boxers win world titles and think ‘that's me all over' – the big stadiums, the crowds, the lights!” The youngest member of the trio, 19-year-old Billy Joe Saunders continued: “Boxing has always been in my blood and the opportunity to turn professional under Frank is a dream come true. I know I’m young and have a lot to learn but feel I have what it takes to make it to the top and the sooner I start, the sooner I’ll achieve my ultimate goal of becoming world champion.” Britain’s first ever World Amateur Champion, Frankie Gavin commented: “I’m had an amazing amateur career and making the British Olympic team was great even if it did not turn out as planned. The fight game is not without its ups and downs and I look forward to the challenges ahead as a I turn professional with Frank Warren and his team in my corner.” With a busy 2009 in store for the three young British hopefuls, further announcements will be made in January regarding the tour venues, dates and boxers’ opposition.