Team GB boxer Joe Joyce has booked his spot in the semi-finals of the 2015 European Games following another first-round stoppage in Baku.
Joyce stopped Alexei Zavatin in the last-16 stage on Saturday, and the super heavyweight proved too much for Lithuanian Mantas Valavicius in their quarter-final bout on Monday.
Valavicius did not hit the ground in Baku, but the referee intervened following a dominant start from Joyce, who will face France's Tony Yoka in the semi-finals on Thursday.
Shortly after the bout, Joyce spoke to Sports Mole.
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Congratulations Joe, another fast start in there. Is this the new Joe Joyce?
"I think it comes with preparation and getting the correct warm-up etc. I saw the openings, to be honest I wasn't going for the stoppage, but I was relaxed and ready to go to work. He was possibly a bit unprepared for me."
It is Tony Yoka in the next round – what do you make of the Frenchman? Did you see his semi-final win over Ireland's Dean Gardiner?
"Yeah I was watching the fight as I warmed up and I have got my tactics and what I need to do. I have sparred with him before so I know what he is about."
Former Team GB boxer Anthony Joshua lost to Azerbaijan's Mahammadrasul Majidov in the final of the World Championships in 2011. You have previously sparred with Joshua – will there be a phonecall between you two to discuss what it is like to fight Majidov in Baku? If indeed the home favourite makes the final later this week...
"I have got [Joshua's] phone number, but I don't think I will be ringing him for advice though! I kind of know what to expect. I will get the tactics from the video analysis. Majidov has got a dodgy eye though so we will see how that holds up."
Majidov also booked his spot in the semi-finals on Monday, but suffered a cut to his eye during his bout with Turkey's Ali Demirezen.
