John Docherty felt he could not turn down the opportunity to turn professional as it may not have come around again.
The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist has become the latest addition to the Matchroom Boxing stable, run by father and son Barry and Eddie Hearn, and is excited to make his first steps into the pro ranks.
Discussions were had prior to him heading out to the Gold Coast with Team Scotland but he wanted to focus on the Games before making a decision.
Trainer Tony Sims, who will coach Docherty from his gym in Essex, spoke to him upon his return and reiterated how much he wanted Docherty on board.
Docherty, who boxed out of Byron Boxing Club in Aberdeen, could have pressed ahead as an amateur and pushed for Olympic qualification but felt he could not spurn the offer of a pro debut.
He said: “I could try for the Olympics, maybe not qualify and not get the same offer again.
“It’s a massive change but it’s one I’m excited for. Tony was watching me box during the Commonwealth Games and said he definitely wanted me and would give me an offer.
“A few weeks after the Games I got the offer to get started. By the time the next Olympics comes around, I hope to have a British title.
“They (Matchroom) are one of the best teams around and will give me the fights that I need. There’s a platform there with Sky Sports and I’m excited for my first fight. Obviously you set little targets along the way but my aim is to be a world champion. I have to aim as high as possible.”
The 20-year-old, who was beaten in the 75kg semi-finals Down Under by Wilfried Ntsengue, has already moved from Scotland to his new base in the south of England and will be training alongside Joe Cordina, Conor Benn and fellow Scot Ricky Burns at Matchroom.
His experiences at the Games stand him in good stead for the start of his professional career, with a debut bout expected at the start of October.
Docherty added: “I wanted gold at the Games but it just wasn’t to be. The experience out there was a whole different thing, from the training camp to having all the cameras on you.
“Every fight I was more drained and it took a lot out of me but I still got a bronze medal. I beat the English boy, Ben Whittaker, at the Commonwealths, who’s one of the main men in the Great Britain Boxing side.
“The guys in the gym have been perfect with me since I’ve moved down and you can have a laugh with them to get through the sessions.
“But I can’t wait to get into my first camp now.”