Two-time world amateur silver medallist Joe Ward has announced he is to turn professional with immediate effect.
The 25-year-old light-heavyweight would have been seen as one of Ireland's best medal hopes at next year's Olympic Games in Tokyo and was the captain of the Irish amateur team.
Ward, also a three-time European champion, has signed with New York-based promoter Joe Winters.
"My decision to turn professional was not easy," Moate man Ward told The Irish Times. "I will miss my team, however, I felt the time was right for me and my family.
"I loved fighting for Ireland and had a very rewarding amateur career. I was happy that I could bring success and medals to my country, and that in the past few years I could help mentor some of my younger teammates.
"I’m excited to represent my country in the professional ranks and bring a world championship home to Ireland.
"I believe it is important to surround yourself with the right people and I found great partners in Joe Winters and Adam Glenn at Times Square Boxing, who understand the sport and business of boxing.
"I’m confident Times Square Boxing will help me achieve my professional goals to become a world champion."
Winters said Ward was "a rare talent that only comes along once in a generation".
He added: "We are excited for Joe’s future. We believe he will become a superstar and a future world champion."
