BOXING: JAMIE Cox admits he will more than likely' sign with major boxing promoter Frank Warren when he decides the time is right to turn professional, writes ANDY CRYER.
The Swindon southpaw has committed himself to the Amateur Boxing Association until the Beijing Olympics 2008, but he admits a future deal with Warren is already on the cards.
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Cox, who faces Russian Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov for the second time in four days in Liverpool tonight, revealed a pro deal was all but' signed and sealed before at the 11th hour the funding came through to keep him amateur.
Now eyeing up the European Championships in Hungary in July, Cox is happy with his decision but admits he has anything but burnt his bridges with Warren.
He said: "Nothing has actually been signed with Frank Warren but a deal will be there when the time is right for me.
"I was all ready to sign with him until the ABA came up with the money and he understood my decision. There is nothing 100 per cent definite but he has said there is something there for me.
"I am the country's top amateur prospect."
After a comprehensive win over Pavlyuchenkov in England's 6-2 win over Russia in Bethnal Green on Friday, Cox is confident of a repeat in tonight's bout in Liverpool.
He said: "I am not taking him for granted because he will be out for revenge but I am confident I can beat him again.
"It is just great to get back into the ring again. We showed how strong we were on Friday and hopefully we can do that again."
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