Darren Sutherland's move into the professional ranks was confirmed this morning. The Olympic bronze medallist will be managed and promoted by the vastly experienced Frank Maloney.
Sutherland will make his professional bow in the middle December against an as yet unnamed opponent at the Helix in DCU. The 26-year-old is currently studying sports science at the university on a part-time basis.
"From the minute I watched Darren in the Olympics he was the only fighter I wanted to sign," Maloney said today.
"I believe he will become the my fifth world champion following in the path of Lennox Lewis, Paul Ingle, Scott Harrison and David Haye.
"On a personal level I haven't felt this excited since the day Lennox Lewis signed with me in April 1989."
Sutherland was one of three Irish boxing medallists in Beijing along with Paddy Barnes and Kenny Egan. Sutherland was beaten by eventual gold medallist James Degale in the middleweight semi-final. As a professional he will fight at super-middle.