By Elliot Foster

Fred Evans has signed a long-term professional contract with Sanigar Events.

The Welshman, 24, has turned over to the paid code after a decorated amateur career during which he represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics in London, picking up a silver medal in the welterweight (69kg) category after losing in the final to Kazakh boxer Serik Sapiyev.

Evans, who will be trained by Tony Borg, became European champion at the 2011 Ankara games.

He said: “I had a great amateur career and I want to thank all of the coaching staff at Team GB, especially Robert McCracken.

“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 [IBF featherweight champion] Lee Selby [22-1, 8 KOs] and other Welsh boxers."

And Evans’ new manager Chris Sanigar, who is involved heavily with aforementioned Selby and his brother Andrew, who also turned over under the Sanigar Events banner earlier this year, is excited about their future together.

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

“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."

Finally, Tony Borg, who will coach Evans in the pros after guiding him through the ranks in the early days of the headguard and vest, 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."

News on the Cardiff man’s debut will be revealed in due course.