James DeGale, Britain's Olympic middleweight boxing champion, is considering an offer of "nearly £2million" to turn professional rather than defend his title at the London 2012 Olympics. He said that at the moment "60 per cent of me is thinking of staying amateur" but that the future of Terry Edwards, Britain's performance director, is an important factor in his decision.

DeGale expects to make an announcement on his future by the end of October and will spend this week speaking to Edwards, UK Sport and promoters. "I'm not going to let too much out but it [the contract offer] is way over a million - nearly two million over a couple of years," he said. "If I do or do not go over [to being professional] everyone will soon find out."

The 22-year-old is among many in the British squad who are fiercely loyal to Edwards who helped steer them to success in Beijing. But a shake-up within the sport has left Edwards, dubbed "Dad" by his young boxers, in the dark about what his future will be for 2012.

Losing Edwards would be a big blow to the elite boxing programme and some fighters might want to leave the amateur ranks, according to DeGale. "He [Edwards] has proved himself. He is like a second Dad to us. When he has to be hard, he is hard. It is the whole vibe and communication with him that just works. It would be nice if he could stay."

Another key factor for DeGale is the opinion of his mother and father. "I can go professional and secure the rest of my life," he said. "Mum and dad have a big say. They just want the best for me, but I do want to defend my crown in my own country - that is a big draw for me."

Explore More Sport

• Athletics

• Boxing

• Cycling

• Sailing

• US Sport