AMATUER boxer Vetaia Latenacolo is planning to turn professional this year.
The Naitasiri-based boxer who started his amateur career in 1999 said now would be the perfect time to turn professional.
The younger brother of Ulaiasi Qalomai fought with Opeti Tagi and Fiji's current middleweight boxing champion Abhay Chand during amateur days.
"I think now is the right time to turn pro. I have seen some other amateur boxers like Opeti Tagi and Abhay Chand turning professional already and I want to follow suit. I fought with Tagi and Abhay so I believe I have had enough time at amateur level and now it is time to move to another level," he said.
Latenacolo last appeared in the ring during the 2011 Sukuna Bowl where he won gold for Police in the 69 kilograms weight category.
He made his national debut at the 2004 Oceania event in Suva. The Bua native who was brought up at Delaiwaimale Village in Naitasiri trains under the watchful eyes of former boxing champion Joe Ravudi. He said he wanted to make his pro debut anytime soon.
"I really want to turn pro and if any promoter out there wants to sign me up for a boxing match, I am willing and I am ready to fight anyone," he said.