James DeGale displayed his qualities to be a professional star when he won Olympic gold against Cuban Emilio Correa.

DeGale had fairly skated into the Olympic final in Beijing and used many of his post-fight press conferences as he progressed to announce he would be quite happy boring his way to the top of the podium.

After years of under-achievement on the big occasion, the talented Harlesden middleweight had finally exploited the computer scoring system to the full and looked a likely gold medal winner from his first bout.

But where many of DeGale's amateur colleagues have locked themselves so securely into the amateur code and failed to adapt in the paid ranks as a result, DeGale underlined just how easy he should find it.

His epic 16-14 win over the frantic Correa was uneasy on the eye but it proved DeGale has the stomach for a mighty war - and with the backing of promoter Frank Warren, the brash but likeable Londoner expects to go all the way.

''People are saying I hold and spoil but you don't get to win Olympic gold without a bit of power and ability,'' said DeGale, who was thrust into a never-ending publicity tour as soon as he landed back on British soil.

''With my elusive style and my boxing brain I can't wait to get going. It was the hardest decision of my life but it was always my intention to turn professional. It's what all boxers aim for and I can't wait to get going.

''I've done everything I could as an amateur and winning a gold medal has turned my life upside down. I live and breathe boxing, and I just want to make it to the top so badly.''

DeGale started boxing at the age of 10 and soon forged a productive partnership with Steve Newland, his coach at the Dale Youth Club in Notting Hill, who was with him for support in Beijing.

Newland, whom DeGale hopes to take with him into the paid ranks, said: ''As soon as I set my eyes on James I knew he had that star quality. It was just a case of making it happen on the day, and that's what he's done.''

DeGale made his international debut in 2004 and won his first senior ABA (Amateur Boxing Association) title the following year. Although he claimed bronze at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the result was largely regarded as a disappointment.

But DeGale always retained the faith of most in the amateur boxing establishment and when he qualified as part of the then eight-strong Olympic team, it was clear he had a good chance of going all the way.

DeGale would produce a series of stunning performances, including dominant wins over Irishman and long-time nemesis Darren Sutherland, and reigning champion Bakhiytar Artayev of Kazakhstan.

In the wake of his win over Correa, DeGale was deluged with offers by promoters keen not only to buy into his stunning success but also the kind of brash and confident profile required to sell big tickets in the professional game.

To no-one's surprise, DeGale elected to sign a reported £1.5million deal with Warren, joining team-mates Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders on what will be an initial series of six shows across the United Kingdom.

''There has never been a British gold medallist who has gone on to win a world title and now it is up to James to prove it can be done,'' said Warren. ''There are no guarantees - but I think he can do it.''

DeGale might not be heading down a well-trodden path but he has already spotted the clear warning signs, having witnessed Audley Harrison's career implosion at first hand.

Like DeGale, Harrison turned professional in a blaze of brash self-promotion after scooping gold in Sydney in 2000 but never got anywhere near fulfilling his potential and his recent loss to Martin Rogan effectively ended his career.

DeGale is adamant he will not make the same mistakes.

''Audley is a fantastic fighter but there are doubts about his heart,'' said DeGale. ''You've got to have that heart and you've got to want it.

''I want it more than anything. Seeing the reception guys like Amir Khan get, that's me all over. It's what I've always dreamed of and I'm telling you now I am definitely not going to disappoint.''