Olympic silver medallist Fred Evans of Britain has turned professional ©Getty Images

London 2012 boxing silver medallist Fred Evans of Britain will not be going for gold at Rio 2016 after he signed his first professional contract.

Evans, who has represented the British Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing since the Olympic Games three years’ ago, has opted to partner with Bristol-based manager Chris Sanigar.

The Welshman is the last of seven boxers who competed for Britain in London to move into the professional ranks, following the likes of bantamweight champion Luke Campbell, super heavyweight gold medallist Anthony Joshua, Anthony Ogogo, Andrew Selby, Tom Stalker and Josh Taylor.

“I had a great amateur career and I want to thank all of the coaching staff at Team GB, especially Robert McCracken,” Evans said.

“I think turning professional is the next move, I reached the top as an amateur and I'm looking forward to doing the same as a pro.”

Fred Evans has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons since London 2012 and was not allowed to compete for Wales at Glasgow 2014
Fred Evans has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons since London 2012 and was not allowed to compete for Wales at Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images

Evans, winner of a gold medal at the 2011 European Amateur Boxing Championships in Ankara, has endured a turbulent period since London 2012 after he was banned from representing Wales at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

He had his accreditation for the event refused following background checks carried out by the UK Home Office and Commonwealth Games officials after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a man at a lap-dancing club in Birmingham in 2014.

The 24-year-old from St Mellons was also handed a two-year suspended jail sentence in October of this year for breaking Michael Wilson's jaw in a Gloucestershire pub, with the judge claiming Evans “deserved” jail for the attack.

Despite his recent struggles outside of the ring, Sanigar, who also represents International Boxing Federation featherweight world champion Lee Selby, believes Evans will have a prosperous career as a professional.

"Signing Fred Evans was something I have wanted to do for a long time,” Sanigar said.

"I've followed Fred throughout his amateur career and he always stood out.

"He has a style that suits the pro game and I believe that he can go a long way.”



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July 2014: Welsh boxing Olympic silver medallist Evans banned from Glasgow 2014
May 2014: Selby and Evans set to be named to Welsh boxing squad for Glasgow 2014
April 2014: Olympic boxing silver medallist Evans admits assault at lap-dancing club
January 2014: Welsh boxers Selby and Evans not eligible for Commonwealth Games