Interview: Josh Kelly has gold in his sights

Team GB boxer Josh Kelly booked his spot in the semi-finals of the 2015 European Games with victory over Ireland's Adam Nolan on Tuesday.

Kelly, who won by a split decision in Azerbaijan's capital city, suffered a cut during the quarter-final affair when the two fighters clashed heads.

However, the 21-year-old has insisted that he will be ready to compete for a place in the final.

Kelly, who will meet Azerbaijan's Parviz Baghirov in the semi-finals on Friday, spoke to Sports Mole after his bout.

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First of all Josh, how is the eye? All stitched up?

"Yeah it has all been stitched up and I am ready to go. I have a couple of days until I box again and hopefully I don't have to colour my eyebrow in with my girlfriend's marker!"

You have now beaten two very experienced boxers at these Games. Just how pleased have you been with your performances here?

"Two Olympians I have boxed now. The last lad (Mahamed Nurudzinau) was a European silver medallist and Nolan has done loads of stuff, and has beaten a few of the lads from GB. I am flying and I am happy with my performances. I also hope I can keep my looks for the end of the tournament! Fingers crossed!"

You are now guaranteed at least a bronze medal. How does that feel?

"A good few weeks ago, I was only in with a shout to going to this competition, but when I got the nod off Rob [McCracken], I just started digging in. My weight was a bit suspect, but I have got it bang on now. I am up to 69kg and starting to do the job, but I need to keep it going.

"A couple of the lads here don't really have their eyes on the gold, but I am going for it. I came here for a medal and I want it to be gold."

Did you have a target in mind before the competition started?

"When I spoke to Rob, he was talking more European Championships, but I was delighted when I got the call for these Games. Coming to a multi-sport Games like this was enough in my eyes, but when I got here and saw the competition, I thought 'I am getting a medal here'. I want to turn it into gold."

You are close with GB teammate Anthony Fowler, who bowed out of the competition in controversial circumstances earlier this week. How is he feeling now? Have you spoken to him?

"I am really close to Fowler. I was really rooting for him the other day, he trains so hard and is probably one of the most dedicated on the squad, and to see him go home, it put me on a bit of a downer. However, I put it behind me today and put on a good performance."