English boxer Joe Joyce won six of his seven bouts in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) this year, but did not secure an automatic qualification spot for the 2016 Olympics.
The 29-year-old, however, who won a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, is still confident that he will be in Rio for the showpiece event.
The first part of that process will come in Baku, where the super heavyweight will represent Team GB in the 2015 European Games next month.
Ahead of the tournament, Sports Mole caught up with Joyce to discuss his preparations.
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How are you feeling ahead of Baku?
"I am feeling good and getting sharper every week. We've got a training camp in Germany coming up at the weekend so we are heading to the final furlong."
You have spoken previously about the importance of starting fast in fights. Is that something that you have been specifically working on?
"For the WSB you have obviously got five rounds so you can kind of have a look for the first round and you still have four to go, but with the three three-minute rounds, it is important to get a quick start to impress the judges, who do tend to favour a fast start in fights."
How disappointing was it not to qualify for the Olympics through WSB when considering your excellent record in that competition?
"I would love to have qualified so early through the WSB, that would have been amazing, but we had a tough group and that is just the way things go. There are plenty more opportunities to qualify, it is just a longer route."
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How much are you looking forward to being a part of the inaugural European Games?
"It is great to be part of the first European Games, similarly with the WSB, it was the first British Lionhearts team so to be part of something when it is just starting up is great."
What about some of the newer boxers in the squad, how are they shaping up?
"The newer lads are still experienced, for instance Muhammad Ali has been to all of the junior tournaments and won a load of stuff, so they will be ready."
Finally Joe, what happens between now and Baku?
"We head to the training camp in Germany, which is a great place, on Sunday and I think we are going out to Baku on June 8. I am definitely ready to win another gold."
Matt Law
