British Gypsy boxer Billy Jo Saunders is to turn professional.

Boxing promoter Frank Warren has revealed that Saunders (far right) is one of the latest additions to his boxing stable along with 2 other British 2008 Olympic boxing team members James DeGalle and Frankie Gavin.

Frank Warren, the British Boxing Board of Control licensed promoter and manager, has guided the careers of many British world champion boxers in his time including Frank Bruno, Naseem Hamed, Nigel Benn and more recently Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe.

Frank Warren says: “These guys are the future of British boxing – James, Billy and Frankie are all fantastic lads, determined to prove themselves in the professional boxing arena.”

“They all have a great pedigree at amateur level and are under no illusions of the hard work and commitment required to succeed. Their amateur records are second to none and I have no doubt that these boys are British world champion boxers in the making.”

The three young boxers will embark on a national tour in 2009 with fights scheduled to take place in six major cities across Great Britain with them all appearing on the same bill. Details for the tour are yet to be confirmed but their debut professional outing is likely to take place in February.

Billy Joe says: “Boxing has always been in my blood and the opportunity to turn professional under Frank is a dream come true. I know I’m young and have a lot to learn but feel I have what it takes to make it to the top and the sooner I start, the sooner I’ll achieve my ultimate goal of becoming world champion.”

With a busy 2009 in store for the three young British hopefuls, further announcements will be made in January regarding the tour venues, dates and boxers’ opposition.

Watch this film about Billy-Joe Saunders made by Jake Bowers before Billy-Joe went to Beijing, where he finished in the top 16 in his weight class.