The 21-year-old is tipped as a future world champion in many quarters after picking up silver in last year's World Amateur Championships in Belfast.

He had been expected to go one better at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester earlier this year but his bid for gold was halted by injury in the early stages.

The London-based fighter initially hinted at staying in the amateur ranks until the 2004 Olympics but on Tuesday he unveiled he would be launching his professional career.

He will fight in the cruiserweight division under the management of Eugene Maloney, whose brother Frank launched the career of heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.

Haye said: "I have given a lot of consideration to the decision to turn professional and I know now is the right time for me.

"I have gained a huge amount of experience as an amateur but it is nearly 18 months since the world championships and I am ready for the next stage of my career.

"I am looking forward to fighting on the BBC and most importantly to letting my boxing do the talking."

No date has yet been set for Haye's first bout but he will be fighting on the undercard of the main BBC promoters during his first six fights.

His new deal was welcomed by Mike Lewis, head of BBC Sport's boxing strategy.

Lewis said: "We're delighted David and his team have chosen the BBC to launch his professional career.

"David is one of British boxing's brightest prospects and the BBC will be able to give him the profile he deserves as he takes the first steps as a pro."