Davey Oliver Joyce to make switch to professional ranks?

David Oliver Joyce is strongly considering a move to the professional ranks, with a number of American outfits interested in his signature.

The Mullingar lightweight last year fulfilled his dream and competed at the Rio Olympics, reaching the Last 16.

Joyce has been a regular at the National Stadium for near-on two decades but, with the Tokyo Olympics being perhaps a bridge too far, he admits that he has had his head turned by the lure of the pro game.

The three-time EU gold medalist told the Westmeath Topic that “I’m considering turning professional. I spent some time over in America recently and spoke to a number of people about making the switch to professional. I was in Philadelphia and now that I’m back home, I’m considering my options. If I think the professional ranks are right for me, I will make the switch. I will probably make my mind up by the end of this month.”

The St Michael’s Athy boxer recently returned to light training, however it is unknown if he will be entering the Senior Elites in February should he choose not to turn professional.

29 year old Joyce has long been known as one of the most pro-suited amateurs in Ireland, and is a regular sparring partner for professionals in and around his weight. Indeed, with plenty of five and eight-round experience with the WSB and APB respectively, he would be able to begin any pro career at a relatively advanced stage.

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Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey look ahead to 2017 in episode 1 of The Irish Boxing Show