Rio silver medalist Sofiane Oumiha signs with Queensberry, debuts March 6th

As if we didn’t have enough talented lightweights to deal with, 2016 Olympic silver medalist and 2017 world champion Sofiane Oumiha has joined forces with Frank Warren ahead of a planned March 6th professional debut.

The 26-year-old Frenchman beat a number of standouts during his time in the unpaid ranks, including Teofimo Lopez, Amnat Ruenroeng, Dorjnyambuugiin Otgondalai, and Lazaro Alvarez. Queensberry are so convinced of his abilities “that he could challenge for a fringe championship” in his aforementioned debut, which takes place on a Queensberry Poland show.

I’m sure the WBA has a few to spare.

Promoter Francis Warren explained: “We are hopeful that Sofiane can start winning championships and climbing the rankings early in his career. Queensberry Poland is a great launching pad for his career as he’ll start with TV exposure right away. We are always looking for exciting talent, amateur or professional, and Sofiane is a prime example of that.

“His experience beating the very best means we can take the Vasiliy Lomachenko fast-track route towards a world title.

“The lightweight division is the hottest in boxing and very soon Sofiane will be mixing and beating those elite fighters. His raw talent is a very rare gift and I’d be comfortable matching him against names like Devin Haney very soon.

“And, of course I’m sure Lopez will want to settle the score.”