Anthony Joshua's sparring partner Solomon Dacres has signed a professional deal with Matchroom Boxing. Dacres is expected to make his debut in early 2021.
Dacres won a gold medal at the 2017 National Championships before joining the Team GB squad in April 2017 and representing the British Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing during a three-year spell in Sheffield, England.
"I turned over with my management team S-JAM Boxing, and we were looking at getting a deal with the biggest promoter," said Dacres.
"Matchroom provides the biggest platform and the best networks to perform on and progress on. I'm really looking forward to working with the number one promoter out there.
"Being on the Team GB squad, I've sparred with Anthony Joshua for a number of years. It was regular sparring while he was in camp, and I was training in Sheffield. It brought me on massively and improved me as a fighter. We've both been progressing over the years. That's the level I'm looking to get to. I've seen the level that a heavyweight world champion performs at. With the same hard work and dedication that 'AJ' has displayed throughout his career, I'm confident I can reach those levels too."
The 27-year-old heavyweight had sparred with Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce when they both fought in November, as the latter scored a stoppage win.
"I'm delighted to welcome another Heavyweight signing to the team," said promoter Eddie Hearn.
"Solomon has all the grounding through his GB podium squad experience and WSB experience and is ready to attack the domestic scene. It has been many years since the Midlands have produced a heavyweight star, and with the hope of crowds returning later in 2021, I expect Solly to be a popular draw as he begins his professional campaign."