Olympic champion Lauren Price’s decision to train as a professional with GB Boxing can inspire the stars of tomorrow in the same way as did Anthony Joshua and Carl Froch.
That is the view of Matt Holt, chief executive of GB Boxing, whose organisation has announced an initiative to continue to work with some of their boxers after they turn pro.
Price, who won middleweight gold in Tokyo, and partner Karriss Artingstall, featherweight bronze medalist at the same Games, are the first two on board.
“The No1 priority for us is its good for the programme,” said Holt. “Two brilliant boxers who are brilliant role models, fantastic technicians in the ring.
“And we know from our previous experience of working with professional boxers through the last three Olympic cycles the benefits that brings to accelerating the development of boxers we’ve got on the programme.
“Carl Froch trained with us for a period of time, predominately prior to the London Games. We’ve had AJ training with the super heavyweights right the way through the last two Olympic cycles.
“It’s no coincidence we’ve had medals at super heavyweight in the two most recent Games and obviously Carl was heavily involved in the preparation of Anthony Ogogo prior to London as well.
“There’s a strong degree of continuity here. We know that working with the best professional boxers helps the boxers who are on the programme targeting the Olympic Games develop at a more accelerated rate.”
GB Boxing has placed a limit of three on the number of professionals it will train and manage. It says it remains committed to giving up-and-coming boxers priority in selection - and says UK Sport is “completely aligned” with its way of thinking.
Nonetheless, Holt insists having a reigning Olympic champion on board can bring significant benefits to the programme.
“We think the benefits Lauren will provide for the programme can continue over the longer term, same as it did with AJ,” he said.
“He’s been involved with GB Boxing for 10 years since turning pro after 2012. That has provided huge benefits and continues to do so.”
