Rio Olympian David Oliver Joyce turns professional

Mullingar lightweight David Oliver Joyce has become the fourth member of Ireland’s Rio Olympic team to make the move to professional boxing.

It has been announced this evening that the St Michael’s Athy fighter has signed a management deal with Mack The Knife Global.

Joyce joins Mick Conlan, Paddy Barnes, and Katie Taylor in the pro game.

A triple EU gold medalist, the Westmeath slugger reached the Round of 16 at the Rio Games, defeating Andrique Allisop of the Seychelles before bowing out against the legendary Albert Selimov.

Joyce did not enter the 2017 Elite Senior Championships won by Pat Mongan, due to injury, and had said beforehand that he was considering numerous pro offers.

The 30 year old is the second Irish boxer to be announced by MTK today, joining Paddy Gallagher on the Irish-heavy roster.

A WSB and APB stalwart with a pro style, Joyce seemingly has the ability to be fast-tracked.

MTK said that “David is incredibly talented and will have a huge future in boxing. His amateur career has been outstanding and to represent your country at the Olympic Games speaks volumes.”

“We are excited to see him in action and firmly believe he can achieve the world titles that he has targeted”