Team GB boxer Qais Ashfaq has revealed his delight after securing at least a bronze medal at the 2015 European Games on Monday.
The 22-year-old eased past German Omar El-Hag in the quarter-finals to set up a final-four clash with Belarusian Dzmitry Asanau, with that clash due to take place on Wednesday.
The bronze is the least that Ashfaq will claim this summer, but the bantamweight told Sports Mole after his fight that he only has eyes for the gold.
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Congratulations Qais, you're into the semis. You must be delighted?
"Yeah I am delighted, but like I said at the beginning, I have come here for that gold medal and until I get that gold, the job is not done."
You beat El-Hag in your last meeting. Was tonight the fight that you were expecting?
"I was actually a bit confused what he would do this time. When I boxed him the first time in Germany, he just ran at me for three rounds, but when we went to the pre-tournament training camp in Germany, he was trying to be a bit clever and wait for me, and see how I would be coming forward.
"I was in two minds. I did not know which kid was going to come out, was he going to wait for me? Or was he going to come forward? Once I caught him a couple of times, he had to rush and every time he came I hit him."
You have said previously that you cannot afford to 'leave fights close' in these type of atmospheres. You didn't leave it close today...
"It is the hit and not be hit sport and that is what I did today. I was catching him and he wasn't hitting he back, so as long as they aren't hitting me, they can't beat me.
"I am here for the gold medal and I am looking forward to taking it home to Leeds."
How is the atmosphere in the Team GB camp after a disappointing day on Sunday?
"They are gutted. I have been around the world with Anthony Fowler and Sam Maxwell, but they will regroup and come back stronger without a doubt."
Matt Law
