Taylor suffered a surprise defeat in the women’s under 60 kilogram lightweight division at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, losing via a split decision verdict to Finland's Mira Potkonen in the quarter-finals.

The 30-year-old had triumphed four years earlier in the event at London 2012, where she was Ireland’s sole gold medallist from the Games.

"When I first dreamt of Olympic gold, female boxing was practically unknown," the five-time world champion told Matchroom Boxing.

"Now because of my journey and the incredible supporters who came along with me, female boxing is as much part of the fabric of the Olympics as its male counterpart.

"I want to do the same for the professional sport and I hope those who have supported me along the way will come along with me.

"I'm excited for the road ahead."

Taylor is due to make her professional debut at Wembley Arena against an unnamed opponent, before fighting on the undercard of Anthony Joshua, another London 2012 gold medallist, on December 10 in Manchester Arena.

Joshua will be defending his International Boxing Federation heavyweight title against American Eric Molina. 

Brazil’s Robson Conceicao, who delighted his home crowd by winning men’s lightweight gold at Rio 2016, has also made his first steps into the professional ranks.

The 28-year-old won every round of his professional debut against the United States’ Clay Burns to triumph via a unanimous decision yesterday.

He was fighting in Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Center on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao and Jessie Vargas event.