• London 2012

Joshua set to resist professional riches

Anthony Joshua beat Roberto Cammarelle via countback to win Olympic gold © PA Photos

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British gold medallist Anthony Joshua has dampened speculation he is set to flip over into the professional ranks, insisting he is in no hurry to end his amateur days.

Joshua defeated defending Olympic champion Roberto Cammarelle of Italy via countback on Sunday to get his hands on super-heavyweight gold, which has previously been won by venerable names such as Wladimir Klitschko and Lennox Lewis.

The Londoner has now, however fleetingly, become a household name, and his next move is sure to be the subject of significant intrigue. Promoter Frank Warren has already spoken in glowing terms about Joshua, while Eddie Hearn is reportedly keen to add a heavyweight to his stable of fighters.

But although he will surely not be short of offers to become a professional, Joshua is not ruling out keeping his vest and headguard on, having only taken up boxing four years ago.

"It was never about money," Joshua said. "Money won't be hard to resist. I've got bills to pay, but to leave something so great as the GB set-up because of money would be a big mistake. I don't want to lose that because money is thrown in my face.

"I've only had 43 fights. I've got a lot to learn, I'm in no rush. I wouldn't mind fighting in Rio [the Games in 2016]. I didn't grow up with loads of money around me. These memories are priceless, coming to the Olympics, winning gold. If it's right to stay as an amateur, I'll do it."

Rob McCracken, the Team GB boxing performance director and trainer of Carl Froch, said: "The sport has changed. There is not silly money to go professional. They have futures and families to think about.

"To be honest, they talk about it all the time. Sometimes you don't know what they are doing month to month, let alone four years at a time."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.