Ex-top amateur Yafai was denied a place at London 2012 after losing a box-off to Welsh rival Andrew Selby.

However, the 24-year-old insists the experience made him all the more determined to succeed in the professional ranks.

Yafai said: "Obviously what happened with the Olympics was a bit of a downer but I made sure I had my first professional fight before the Games, and I got over it so quickly I even went to watch.

"I knew I'd take to the professional ranks easily and as soon as I made my debut I was thinking, what have I been doing all this time?

"I felt I should have gone pro earlier, although the amateur set-up served me well."Yafai stopped veteran Delroy Spencer on his debut in July 2012 and followed up with a first round stoppage of Richard Voros two months later.

He believes his trajectory will take him into major title fights in 2014.

Yafai added: "I'm expecting a very big and busy year next year provided I stay injury free. I feel like I've served my apprenticeship and after one more fight I will be looking at chasing down the British title.

"I don't see any reason why I can't carry on and be challenging for a world title by the end of the year.

"It's not the strongest weight in the world and I know if I put the good performances in I will stand every chance."