By Elliot Foster

Anthony Fowler will turn professional next year.

The Liverpudlian, who went to the 2016 Olympics in Rio with Team GB, revealed the news at the launch of a new boxing gym in his home city.

Fowler, 25, was present at the grand opening of Halewood ABC and he has outlined his plans for the paid code.

“I will be turning professional in the new year,” Fowler told Boxing Scene. “It’s a new year so a new start.”

The middleweight, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 and won bronze a year earlier at the World Championships in Almaty, said that he has yet to make up his mind as to the direction of his career in the pro ranks.

“My options are quite open, to be honest,” he said. “I want to speak to Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, but I’ve had offers from overseas too.

“The Sauerland brothers messaged me a few months back and I think they’re interested but I want to see what offers I have over here before I look elsewhere.”

Fowler spoke to ‘Scene as he accompanied fellow Commonwealth amateur champion Courtney Fry, super-lightweight talent Ryan Mulcahy and fledgling super-welterweight prospect James Metcalf at the opening of the new facility.

And after taking time out to talk to the fighters of tomorrow, including having images shot and making a speech of encouragement, Fowler began to tell ‘Scene about what got him into the sport in the first place.

“I came to the gym and worked hard. I started at the Golden Gloves ABC in the city and I’m still there now, 15 years on.

“I remember when I had my first fight, the kid I was boxing had all fancy gear on and I turned up in an old pair of trainers. I didn’t have any of the boxing equipment when I first walked into the gym because I didn’t really know what I was doing. The gym was there for me because I was bored.

“I worked hard, though, got through the tough times by listening to my coaches and staying dedicated. I’ve done well for myself, I’ve won the Commonwealth Games and been to the Olympics.

“Boxing has done a lot for my life and it will always be in my life but it’s time now to take the next step and turn professional in the sport.

“I’m going to have one more fight with Team GB in the WSB and then I’m hoping to make my debut in April or May.”