DeGale torn over future direction

Britain's Olympic middleweight champion James DeGale admits he faces a dilemma over his future after winning gold.

The 22-year-old has reportedly been offered �1m to turn professional, but he would also love to defend his Olympic title on home soil in 2012.

"It will be hard to say no to �1m but it's not just about money - it's a feeling too. It's going to be a difficult decision," he said.

"To win another gold medal in my home city in 2012 would be fantastic."

The Hammersmith-born boxer said he would also seek the opinion of Great Britain boxing coach Terry Edwards before taking any action.

"Representing your country and standing on a podium with a medal is an unbelievable feeling," he said.

"There are a lot of rewards out there for professionals - I could become middleweight champion of the world, but I'm going to see what Terry says.

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Renowned boxing manager Frank Warren, who looks after Athens silver medallist Amir Khan, said he had not made DeGale an offer to turn professional but stated that if the boxer is simply interested about earning big money then he has only one option.

"James knows what he's doing," Warren told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"At the moment if you're a 'podium boxer' then you earn about �75,000. Out of that James will have to pay expenses and travelling. It's nowhere near the type of money he could earn as a professional."

DeGale's gold was the pick of the three medals won by British boxers in Beijing, and the timing of the success could have further benefits for the sport.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently stated he wanted boxing to take a more prominent role in schools, and DeGale praised the sport's potential to keep youngsters out of trouble.

"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.

"All those little kids, all the little teenagers that want to be naughty - get in the gym."