Team GB boxer Josh Kelly booked his spot in the quarter-finals of the welterweight division at the 2015 European Games with a win over the experienced Belarusian Mahamed Nurudzinau on Sunday.
Kelly, 21, was victorious by a split decision in Baku, and his performance against a much more experienced fighter certainly caught the eye.
Shortly after the bout, Sports Mole spoke to the confident youngster, who will meet Ireland's Adam Nolan in the last eight on Tuesday.
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Josh, how pleased are you to beat a fighter 13 years older than you in that manner?
"Yeah he has been around the block a few times - he has done a lot in the sport, finals of the Europeans etc. He is starting to come to the end of his career, but it was still a nice bout to get in on. He had some big hooks on him so I had to be switched on."
You looked to be having a lot of fun in the ring – just how much is that part of your style?
"We've got the luck that we come in and enjoy our jobs. Some people go to work and really hate it, but everyone has got to enjoy it when you are involved in sport and obviously jogging to the ring I have got to be happy and I like to showboat a little bit. It is who I am and I just love to do it. Hopefully there are some bigger things to come."
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And you seem to look much more comfortable at this weight?
"Yeah I got on the Team GB squad at 64kg (light welterweight), but I used to struggle with the weight badly. I had to drop three, four kilograms the night before I boxed and it was a really tough thing to do, but coming into the podium squad has helped me become a lot more professional. I am comfortable and starting to grow into this weight now."
It is Ireland's Adam Nolan in the next round – how are you feeling about that one?
"He is a good lad, a big southpaw, he likes to work a lot. It is going to be a tough one, but if I want a medal then I need to dig in and grind it out. I have got a few tricks up my sleeve so it should play into my hands!"
Finally, how are you going to relax before your next fight?
"I just chill out and have a laugh up until I get into the ring. I am always smiling – even in the ring. I just chill out, bit of weight management and keep the fluids going in and keep the food clean. I am going to kick back for a day and then get back into action."
Matt Law
