Anthony Ogogo: I’ll go all the way to the top as a boxer

ANTHONY OGOGO has vowed to box his way to the top — be it as an amateur or a professional.

Ogogo, 23, overcame a traumatic build-up to claim a bronze medal against the odds at London 2012.

He had to battle back from a serious shoulder injury just to qualify for the Games, while his mum Teresa suffered a brain aneurysm in June.

The Lowestoft middleweight made the tough decision to fight on, returning to his mother’s bedside proudly clutching an Olympic medal in his hand.

And Ogogo insists the experience has made him even more determined to become the best in the world.

JOB DONE ... Anthony Ogogo celebrates after securing his medal

He told SunSport: “At first I was very disappointed not to go on and win the gold medal. That’s what I’d always dreamed of as a kid.

“But now the dust has settled a bit, I’m feeling more proud of my accomplishment as every day goes on.

“Not many people get to go the Olympic Games and just getting there was an achievement for me.

“It was a traumatic journey with all the things I had to deal with, so coming back with a medal is something to be proud of.

“Mum’s still in hospital but she’s getting there and I’m really proud of her.

“I wasn’t anyone’s favourite to win a medal and I did it the hard way. I had the injury, I came back from it and qualified at the second and final attempt.

“I didn’t go in with a ranking and I think that’s why I’m proud.

“It’s not a gold medal but it means more than a medal to me. The experience I’ve had and just getting there has made me very proud.”

TEAM GB middleweight Anthony Ogogo looks back on winning an Olympic medal at London 2012

Like many of his team-mates, Ogogo is expected to turn pro sooner rather than later.

But for the time being, the Lowestoft fighter has no intention of rushing into making any career decisions.

He added: “I haven’t had any offers myself, I genuinely haven’t heard anything about turning pro.

“I haven’t made it to the top yet, I got a bronze medal instead of a gold, and whatever I do in the future I’ll make sure I get there.

“I work that hard, I’m that disciplined and I’m that determined — I know I’ll do it.

“If I stay amateur for another four years and go to Rio, I’ll make sure I win that gold. If I decide to take the pro route, I’ll work my hardest to make sure I win a world title.

“But it’s been boxing, boxing, boxing for so long now — my mind needs a rest.

“Turning pro is a massive decision and I want to make it with a clear mind and know what I’m doing.”

BRIGHT FUTURE ... Ogogo is determined to go all the way

Regardless of what Ogogo decides to do next, it will be with the full support of Team GB performance director Rob McCracken.

Ogogo said: “Rob has been brilliant. He’s always said he’ll advise us and help us decide to do what’s best.

“He knows boxing better than anybody and we’ve got a great team looking after us. Whatever decision I make, I’m sure it will be the best one and I’ll have Rob’s blessing.”

Under McCracken’s guidance, Team GB’s biggest-ever squad of 10 boxers secured five medals in London.

And Ogogo is adamant the golds won by Anthony Joshua, Nicola Adams and Luke Campbell, as well as Fred Evans’ silver and his own bronze, are testament to the hard work of the man who doubles as IBF world champion Carl Froch’s trainer.

He added: “Would we have had the same success without Rob? Not at all. He’s brought such a level of professionalism and knows what it’s all about.

“Every feeling that we have, he knows. He’s created the best team and the coaches we’ve got are brilliant.

“Rob’s definitely added to our medal tally.”

DREAM TEAM ... Carl Froch is put through his paces by Rob McCracken

Representing Team GB is one thing, but the experience of being roared on by 10,000 fans every time you throw a punch is something Ogogo is still taking in.

For many, the increased pressure of being in the spotlight at a Games on home soil would be too much to bear.

But for Ogogo, it brought out the best in him every time he stepped foot in the packed ExCeL in London.

He said: “You know what, that was brilliant. I was the first British boxer on and when I walked out the crescendo lifted me up.

“I felt like I floated down to the ring, threw a few punches and then floated back without my feet even touching the floor.

“It was amazing, the best experience ever, and each fight it just got better and better.

“I’m so thankful for the crowd because it makes such a difference. When they’re cheering every blow you land, or when it’s getting touch and they lift you, it gets you over that finish line.

“It did add to the pressure, but I think I’ve got the kind of personality to thrive under it.

“I know some of the boys didn’t perform as well as they’d liked and maybe crumbled under the pressure a little bit.

“But I love it. I love all the attention, the camera being on me and people chanting my name. That’s me all over.

“I just really enjoyed it. I’ve had a taste of it now and I really want it to continue.”

If a switch to the paid ranks or the beginning of a long journey to Brazil lies ahead, you can be sure this likeable young boxer has a bright future to look forward to.

And he will enjoy every minute of it.

Anthony Ogogo is represented by Wasserman