OLYMPIC silver medallist Fred Evans is determined to make up for lost time after events outside the ring put the brakes on his boxing career post-London 2012.

Brushes with the law led to him missing the 2014 Commonwealth Games and then delayed his acquisition of a pro licence following his switch to the paid ranks in December 2015.

However, tonight, nearly 18 months since deciding to switch from the amateurs, the super-welterweight, 26, makes his professional debut on the Cyclone Promotions show in Cardiff.

Belgian Najim Fennane is the opponent for St Joseph’s-trained Evans at the Motorpoint Arena.

The bout takes place on the undercard of stablemate Andrew Selby’s eliminator for the WBC world flyweight title.

Evans is eager to put the last few years behind him and follow in the footsteps of fellow former Team GB star Selby.

“I had an outstanding amateur career, obviously finishing it off with an Olympic silver medal, but I’ve had a few hurdles to clear since then,” said Evans.

“I fought for the British Lionhearts after the Olympics and then I took a break because there were a few things going on.

“But that’s all behind me and now I’m just looking forward to a bright future in the professional ranks.

“It’s a fresh start and I can’t wait to get my pro career under way.

“This first fight has been a long time coming and I want to make up for lost time.”

He added: “When I spoke to Chris Sanigar (manager) and Tony Borg (trainer) they said they wanted to do with me what they’ve done with Andrew Selby.

“Their plan is to try and get me up the rankings as quickly as possible, which I don’t mind.

“It’s exciting but I’ve got to take it fight by fight and step by step.

“I’ve trained alongside Andrew for a number of years and seeing the things he has done shows what is possible.

"I just want to put on a good show to start with but in the long term I want to be looking at world titles, that’s definitely what’s in my mind.

“I still get a buzz when I look at my Olympic medal, and it would be nice to have some belts hanging next to it.

“I see fighters out there at my weight winning British and world titles and I definitely think I’m capable of beating them.”

Evans left St Joseph’s for a time before turning pro but has every intention of staying put in his quest to match what the likes of Lee and Andrew Selby have achieved.

“There was definitely no chance of me moving gyms after I decided to turn professional,” he said.

“I’ve seen what Tony has done with the Selbys and there’s nothing I can complain about whatsoever.

“I’m 100 per cent happy there.

“It’s a gym full of top boys learning off each other.”

Evans and Selby are joined on tonight’s bill by Ebbw Vale’s unbeaten WBC international bantamweight champion Ashley Brace.

The 26-year-old goes for a seventh straight victory against Croatia’s Nevenka Mikulic over six two-minute rounds.

Meanwhile, St Joseph’s lightweight Gavin Gwynne, who has won all five of his fights to date, meets journeyman Ibrar Riyaz in a four-round contest.