Cheavon Clarke hopes to bring excitement to the cruiserweight division after signing as a professional with Matchroom Boxing.

The 31-year-old missed out on a medal at the Olympics last year but he is determined to make an impact after turning pro and securing a “long-term promotional deal” with Eddie Hearn’s boxing stable.

“This feels like the perfect time to get my journey in the pro ranks on the road,” said the Gravesend boxer, as he ends a successful amateur career by signing up for the professional ranks.

“I didn’t achieve what I set out to achieve at the Olympics. I wanted to win a medal but I didn’t and that wasn’t good enough. It was still a great experience though and something that I can always say that I’ve done.”

Prior to achieving his dream of making it to the Olympics, two-time ABA champion Clarke had medalled at the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

He will make his pro debut in the cruiserweight division later this year.

Clarke said: “I’ll bring that excitement and explosiveness, ferociousness and bad intentions. I can do it all. I can mix it all up.

“I can give you a bit of the Mike Tyson, a bit of the Ali, the Roy Jones. Ultimately, I’m Cheavon Clarke. There can only be one of anybody and I’m just the best Cheavon Clarke I can be.”

Clarke is trained by Sam Mullings at Churchill’s Boxing Club in South London.

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “I’ve followed Chev’s progress for a number of years now and he is a brilliant talent with a powerful personality and story that will make him hugely popular among fight fans.

“His vast amateur experience will allow him to move nice and quickly in the pro game and after debuting soon in the UK he will have the opportunity to box all over the world on DAZN [a live sports streaming service] as we move him towards the cruiserweight world championships.”