Keighley boxer Muhammad Ali is hoping to make the final of the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Bulgaria later today.
The 17-year-old takes on Azerbaijan’s Masud Yusifzada in the 52kg semi-final in Sofia, having already guaranteed himself at least a bronze medal.
With his place on the podium ensured, Ali has also qualified for a Team GB spot at the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, from August 16-28.
It represents another big achievement for the Bury Amateur Boxing Club competitor, who claimed English and British titles earlier this year.
His world quarter-final success on Easter Monday came in the form of 3-0 win over the Ukraine’s Zhan Mshirmana.
Ali came out quickly, catching his opponent with a number of fast shots from range. He then became involved in a battle but managed it well and clearly outmatched his Ukrainian opponent.
In the third, Mshirmana made it awkward for Ali and was too keen to hold, but the England boxer managed a great array of punches to seal the bout.
His other results were: 3-0 v Franklin Gonzalez (Venezuela); 3-0 v Sebastijan Saciri (Serbia); 3-0 v Po Wei To (Chinese Taipei).
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