A WINNING ATTITUDE

European champion and Olympic medallist in London in 2012, Azerbaijani boxer Teymur Mammadov has added a gold in the first European Games to his list of successes. In an interview for R+ he explains how he won, what his most difficult fight was and how the European Games were organized in general.

- Well done! What does it mean to be a champion in the first European Games?

- It's a double celebration for me. By beating all my rivals I reached the highest rung on the victors' podium. The gold medal was presented to me by our president, Ilham Aliyev. This imposes even greater responsibility on me. The president has always attached great attention to sport. The fact that our federations have modern bases and training centres is largely down to him.  Hosting a competition at such a high level is testimony to how strong our country is. And receiving an award from the hands of the head of state only increases this responsibility.

- After which fight were you confident of becoming champion?

- In the run-up to the European Games my main aim was to win a gold medal. I told my family and friends I would be a European Games champion. The first bout, as always, was very hard. When I beat the Russian in the semi-final I believed I would be champion. Although the final bout wasn't easy, it was harder for my opponent. I had already adapted to the atmosphere of the competition. Only victory would do for me. When I'm in form, no-one can stop me.

- It looked like you were aiming for a quick victory in the final…

- No, you're wrong. I wasn't in a hurry; it was just that I got in some strong blows. I wanted to win an outright victory. Although the Italian was well prepared, I had studied him quite a lot. He was given no opportunities.

- 15 boxers represented us at the European Games and 11 of them reached the semi-finals. Did you expect such a good result?

- Boxing has always been one of the favourite sports in Azerbaijan. The sell-out at the boxing matches at the Games proved this. In recent years we have usually been among the medallists in world and European championships. Now our boxing team is one of the strongest in Europe. In the Russian team 10 boxers won medals, and yet we were able to beat such a powerful boxing nation. I hope our boxers justify our hopes at the qualifying tournaments for the summer Olympics.

- What place will European gold have in your medal collection?

 - A special one. For us every event in Baku is a festival because we are competing in front of our fans. It's not that easy in front of local sports people, because there is much more responsibility. The fans expect you to win. Just one mistake can blow away all your hopes.

- How will the first European Games be remembered?

- I will never forget the magnificent opening ceremony, the gold medal and the presentation of this medal to me by the head of our state. We also achieved good results in all the events. The Games were organized to a high standard. Believe me, I don't think they were even as good at the summer Olympics in London. The volunteers were prepared to help anyone at any time. All the conditions were created at the Athletes' Village. As far as the opening ceremony is concerned, there wasn't such a terrific show even in London. So I have to say that in some aspects we were better than the summer Olympics.

- To whom do you dedicate your victory?

- This medal belongs to the Azerbaijani people. It is not just mine, it is everybody's. What's more, in two weeks' time I shall become a father and I shall dedicate this medal to my son who will soon be born.

- You won a bronze at the London Olympics. Coming up are the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Will it be a gold medal this time?

- The European Games, world and European championships are a special test. I am now concentrating on the Olympics. I was third in London, but I want to win a gold medal next year.

- Will you be boxing in the same weight category in Brazil or are you planning to go back to 91 kg, at which you fought before?

- I reduced my weight to 81 kg. That's fine for me. Why change the category? I shall try and carry on at 81 kg.

- Your team mate Magomedrasul Macidov withdrew at the semi-final stage because of injury. If he is fit, could he win gold?

- Magomedrasul is a very experienced fighter. He was just unlucky. If he hadn't been injured, he would definitely have reached the final and could have won. I wish him a speedy recovery. He will definitely be with us at the summer Olympics. I believe Magomedrasul will make his mark in Brazil. 

- The boxers have one more major competition at the end of the year. The world championship is coming up in the autumn. The world's leading boxers will be competing. The competition will be a qualifier for the summer Olympics in 2016. The winners will qualify in some of the weight categories, and in others just the finalists. This will be a crucial event for our team. It's important not just to win medals, but to qualify. Then we can start preparing for the Olympics. I very much hope my name will be among the winners.