But as an amateur, the highest level you can box at is the Olympics. I did that at 18 and felt it was time to move on to other challenges as a professional.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
You have to perform at a consistently higher level than others. That's the mark of a true professional.
I always like to challenge myself. I never want to be put into a box.
I started track and field when I was 12 and didn't get to an Olympic Games until I was nearly 23. By any stretch of the imagination that's a very long apprenticeship.
I really believe I'm no different from anyone else. I just had a few challenges I had to learn from at a very early age.
I felt I could play in maybe a dozen tournaments a year as an amateur.
When I was 17 or 18, I realised I could do something with boxing.
I was 20, I was an amateur from 14 but my first professional role was at 22.
There's so many levels. You can rise on the day to win a national event or a world title but the level you need to rise to win an Olympics Games is another one altogether.
You want to compete, and you want to compete at the highest level.
I was planning to remain an amateur for a while.