OLYMPIC gold medal-winning boxer James DeGale has chosen Loughton Academy's state of the art gym as his permanent training base, acting as the launchpad for what he hopes will be a path to glory in the professional ranks.

The 22-year-old, who won gold at last summer's Beijing Olympic Games in the middleweight class, has teamed up with trainer Jim McDonald after turning pro last month. And he has wasted no time in getting to grips with his new training environment, making full use of the gym's two boxing rings and punchbags, following an extensive redevelopment of the academy's facilities.

The Hammersmith-born fighter is mightily impressed with his new home and is convinced that it has all the ingredients to help equip him for his quest to become champion of the world.

“The facilities are excellent. It has everything I need – two rings, bags and a huge field to do my sprints in. It's excellent,” said DeGale.

DeGale's acquisition represents a major coup for the academy, who are beginning to make big strides as a boxing entity since their hi-tech gym was opened by one of the sport's most famous characters Mike Tyson last year.

“Boxing has got bigger and bigger here over the year and a half we've been open and to have James jumping on board is just fantastic,” said the academy's facilities manager Callan Paske. “To have someone of that stature is quite special and it will be inspiring to some of the youngsters and amateurs we have training here.”

DeGale is desperate for his first taste of the limelight, but the southpaw puncher will have to wait until March for his professional debut fight, at which time he will have weeks of intensive training under his belt.

His opponent is yet to be decided, but he left the list of prospective challengers in no doubt that they can expect a rough ride from one of the country's most exciting talents. “I'm ready to go now but give me six weeks and I'll be on fire,” he warned.