LONDON 2012 Olympic silver medallist Fred Evans has turned professional, as revealed by the Argus earlier this month, and signed a long-term management deal with Chris Sanigar.

Evans has resolved his differences with trainer Tony Borg and returned to St Joseph’s gym in Newport as he attempts to put a troubled few years behind him.

He enjoyed a thrilling amateur career, winning gold for Wales at the 2011 European Amateur Boxing Championships in Ankara and at the 2007 World Cadet Championships in Hungary.

Evans then became the first Welsh boxer to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games where he won the silver medal.

"I had a great amateur career and I want to thank all of the coaching staff at Team GB especially Robert McCracken,” said the 24-year-old.

“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.

“Signing with Chris and training with Tony was always my first choice seeing the success of Lee Selby and other Welsh boxers."

Evans’ long time amateur coach and now professional trainer Borg said: "Fred Evans has been one of Wales’ most outstanding amateurs for years alongside Andrew Selby.

“He has won European gold at both junior and senior level and he's the only Welshman ever to reach an Olympic final.

“I look forward to his progression in the professional ranks and challenging for titles."

Sanigar is delighted to have signed the Olympian and expects big things for him in the near future.

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

Evans’ former Team GB stablemate Andrew Selby also turned professional earlier this year and has already chalked up three impressive wins.

At the close of 2015 the Sanigar stable of boxers now boasts two IBF world champions and two former Olympians, as well as Craig Kennedy, Tamuka Mucha, Hassan Karkardi, Ashley Lane, Cwmbran’s Jamie Arthur and Cefn Fforest fighter Robbie Turley – all close to challenging for major titles in 2016.

News on Evans’ professional debut will be announced early in the new year.