ANDREW SELBY, arguably Wales’ most successful amateur boxer is turning professional and following in the footsteps of his older brother and world champion Lee.

Many believe Selby, 26, is the best Welsh amateur boxer of all time as he’s won a World Championships silver medal and a bronze medal, two European Championships gold medals and two bronze medals, reached the Olympic Games quarter-finals and appeared at two Commonwealth Games.

Selby has signed a management deal with Chris Sanigar, the long-term manager of Lee and the duo are believed to be in talks with a promoter.

Speaking on his decision to turn professional and turn his back on the chance to box in Rio next summer at the Olympics, Selby said: “It was an honour to represent Team GB. I would like to thank Robert McCracken and all of the coaching team, management and back room staff who supported me through my amateur career. I feel the time is right for me to pursue a pro boxing career and I can't wait for the big fights ahead."

Andrew's older brother Lee who recently won the IBF Featherweight championship has been managed by Chris Sanigar since he turned professional in 2008.

Chris Sanigar is delighted to have signed the young star and has already been impressed with his dedication to training.

"Signing Andrew Selby was something I have wanted to do for a long time, he is a tremendous talent. I have just come back from a sparring trip in LA with Lee and Andrew and everyone who watched him perform commented on his talent. He has all of the attributes to reach the top like his brother Lee."

News on Andrew’s professional debut will be announced shortly.

Selby hasn’t fought since January when he suffered his only loss in the World Series of Boxing [WSB], a fourth round stoppage defeat in a rematch against Ukraine’s Azat Usenaliev.

Selby excelled in the International Boxing Association’s [AIBA] alternative format; hardly losing a round in the three seasons he represented the British Lionhearts and Italia Thunder.

Selby trains in St Joes gym in Newport with Tony Borg.

The Argus can reveal that Andrew is likely to follow in Lee’s footsteps by signing a joint-promotional deal with Matchroom Sport and American big-hitter Al Haymon.

Indeed, Selby’s debut in the paid ranks may well come in the US next month.

“This is definitely the right move for Andrew,” his trainer Tony Borg explained.

“I think he’s been stagnating in the amateurs and the challenges were running out for him.

“We couldn’t just wait for the Olympics and risk him not performing, because the motivation wasn’t there anymore.

“This is the best move he can make.”