By Francisco Salazar

Amateur standout and 2016 Olympian Mohammed Rabii will make his pro debut on February 18, manager Gary Hyde announced Wednesday morning.

Rabii will fight in a six round bout at the Complexe de Sportif Mohammed V in his hometown of Casablanca. No opponent has been announced yet.

The 23-year-old Rabii, who also fought in the World Series of Boxing, represented Morocco in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero. The welterweight took home the bronze medal when he lost to Shakhram Giyasov of Uzbekistan in the semi-finals.

"We are delighted to have sign one of the best amateur boxers in the world," said Hyde in a release. "Mohammed has a great style with knockout power in both hands. He will kick-start his pro career in front of his adoring fans in Casablanca Feb. 18. He is a national hero, so the plan is to take full advantage by building him up at home in Morocco."

Rabii won numerous amateur titles, including the gold medal at the AIBA World Amateur championship in 2015.

Also fighting on the Feb. 18 card will be featherweight contender Simpiwe Vetyeka (29-3, 17 KOs) and super middleweight contender Gevorg Khatchikian (24-2, 12 KOs) in separate bouts.

Three more fights featuring fighters from Morocco will round out the card.

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing