Azerbaijan's Parviz Baghirov has revealed that he was forced to battle hard to secure his place in the semi-finals of the men's boxing welterweight 69kg at the European Games.
The 21-year-old defeated Germany's Abass Baraou on a unanimous decision at Crystal Hall in their quarter-final bout, and the result has left Baghirov even more determined to make an impact at his first major finals on the international stage.
He told reporters: "The fight went hard. I met with a very strong contender. However, I knew that beforehand as I watched his fights and was prepared for that. My tactic was to keep a good defence.
"Yes, I have an eyebrow injury. Maybe he targeted my injury on purpose, though I don't judge him. He is a sportsman, everything happens.
"This is my first serious senior tournament, though I have won medals in junior competitions. My mother's prayers helped me to go to the very next stage."
Baghirov will face Great Britain's Josh Kelly in the semi-finals on Friday.
Simon Sinclair
