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Degale: Gold medal winner
"I really want to defend this in my home country, to stand on the podium again. It will be hard to say no to £1million but I'm going to see what Terry says."
James Degale
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Olympic champion James Degale has repeated his desire to defend his title in front of his home fans in London 2012, but admits that he faces a huge dilemma with big-money offers coming in to turn professional.
Hammersmith fighter Degale defeated Cuba's Emilio Correa to win the middleweight gold in Beijing to become Britain's first boxing gold medallist since Audley Harrison in Sydney.
22-year-old Degale has been offered a reported £1 million to abandon the amateur scene and turn professional, and he admits his success is now causing him a dilemma.
Although the money is attractive, Degale insists he wants to defend his title in his home town in four years, but that may depend on what funding deal he can sort out to remain amateur.
"I'm going to go home and spends some time with my family. I'll sit down with them and talk about it," said Degale.
Offers
"I'll also sit down with (GB coach) Terry Edwards and see what he has to say and what offer there is on the table.
"To win another gold medal in my home city in 2012 would be fantastic. That's what I want to do.
"I really want to defend this in my home country, to stand on the podium again.
"It will be hard to say no to £1million but I'm going to see what Terry says.
"There are a lot of rewards out there for professionals - I could become middleweight champion of the world.
"It's going to be a difficult decision but it's not just about money - it's a feeling too.
"Representing your country and standing on a podium with a medal is an unbelievable feeling."
Youth
Britain's boxers won three medals in Beijing, with Degale's gold the highlight, after having just Amir Khan as their sole representative in Athens.
Degale says boxing has kept him on the straight and narrow and he called for troubled youngsters to be involved in boxing.
"I say get in the gym. Get in the gym because it gives you lots of discipline. Boxing has made me a better person," he said.
"Get in the gym all those little kids, all the little teenagers that want to be naughty, get in the gym."
DeGale's in-ring style and confidence outside the ring would make him and attractive prospect in the pro ranks, and he says just being himself has helped him improve.
"You've got to be yourself," he added. "A year ago I was trying to be all articulate - I just can't do it.
"You've got to be yourself and people like you."
