Queensberry have today announced the signing of 2024 world youth champion Adam Olaniyan, who will make his pro debut as part of the Jazza Dickens-Anthony Cacace undercard on March 14.

Irish heavyweight Olaniyan, from Tallaght, serves as the latest in a long line of talented amateurs Queensberry have agreed professional terms with in recent months. His older brother Joshua, lost on points last year to another new recruit, Javokhir Ummataliev.

Adam, a two-time European gold medallist, spoke before about being offered 'life-changing' sums of money by promoters to turn over early, having built up an impressive reputation as one to watch and sparring Joseph Parker before his Zhilei Zhang win in March 2024.

Now though, the 19-year-old puncher will find himself among esteemed company when trained by highly-regarded head coach Paul Stevenson at his Everton Red Triangle gym in Liverpool, alongside WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball and other hungry teammates.

In a press release, Olaniyan spoke of his excitement to get started after much speculation surrounding his future over the past year, with many believing he would target the LA 2028 Olympics in search of further amateur accolades, having missed out on a Paris 2024 place.

"I'm delighted to be getting my professional journey underway, no better place than at home in Dublin. This felt like the right time to make the switch, it's great to be doing that with the backing of Frank Warren and Queensberry. They really are the home of the heavyweights right now, so it's the perfect place for me to develop.

"I'm obviously still very young and know I will have to serve my apprenticeship as a pro but already proved as an amateur that I can be the best in the world - the goal remains the same as a professional. I want to become undisputed world heavyweight champion, bring all those belts back to Dublin and the road to that starts on March 14."

Queensberry chief Frank Warren believes the time is right for him turning over into the paid ranks, though won't be in any rush with the teenager's development.

"Adam is clearly a very special, gifted young heavyweight who excelled as an amateur. It is the perfect time for him to turn professional, make himself known throughout the world at the time when the heavyweights are dominating the boxing landscape.

"Every fighter is different, we will bring him along at the correct pace, making sure he gets all the experience he needs. With a top trainer in Paul, the gym environment will bring the very best out of him and see to it that Ireland has a heavyweight star to be proud of."

Stevenson echoed that belief, saying Olaniyan is learning fast already and they all harbour very high hopes for his future progression.