And his new Manchester-based coach Joe Gallagher has backed the Sunderland Olympian to become a force in the professionals with his "weapons of mass destruction".

The 23-year-old is in training for his first paid fight after leaving the amateur ranks.

And the removal of his vest and headguard may not be the only changes for the light-heavyweight Olympic bronze medallist.

Jeffries said: "I'm loving training with Joe and really looking forward to getting my new career started now we're in the new year.

"I'm dedicated to this now. It was a quiet new year celebration for me last night because I'm off the drink and on a diet.

"I want to get down from light-heavyweight to super-middleweight for the professionals, hopefully for my first fight.

"It's a 12-stone limit compared to 12 stone eight pounds at light-heavy in the amateurs.

"I've always made the light-heavyweight limit without a problem and with a bit of work I can get down to super-middleweight.

"I think it would be better for me to be a big super-middleweight rather than a smaller light-heavy."

Jeffries does not yet have a date for his first pro contest, but it is likely to be towards the end of next month and he is not sitting around waiting.

"I've been mainly down in Manchester for the last couple of weeks," he said. "I had plenty of time off after the Olympics and now I have to get back to my peak.

"I came home for Christmas but went back down to Manchester on Sunday until yesterday.

"Joe is teaching me a lot and I want to learn quickly."

Gallagher, who is also busy preparing Mancunian John Murray for the defence of his British lightweight title against Lee "Aberdeen Assassin" McAllister on January 17, admits he is torn between trying to keep a lid expectations for Jeffries and being excited about his potential.

"Tony's a willing pupil and when you have that you always have a chance," said the enthusiastic Gallagher.

"He has a lot to learn and I know that there are high expectations for him in the North East but I would say don't judge Tony on his first couple of fights, judge him in two or three years when he's ready for titles.

"He has the tools to do well in the pro game. The boy can hit. They aren't toys he's playing with, they're weapons of mass destruction.

"There will be plenty of super-middleweights who won't be able to live with his power, but we have to teach Tony the different style and rules for the pro ring because his body and mind are programmed for the amateurs."

Jeffries will be managed by his dad Phil, who is now licensed by the British Boxing Board of Control.

"I'm sure we'll have no end of arguments, but it's important to have someone behind me that I can trust and I know I can count on my dad," he added.