The quarterfinal stage of the U17 European Boxing Championships has concluded in Budva, Montenegro, with six more Azerbaijani boxers securing places in the semifinals.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing the Azerbaijan Boxing Federation, the latest results have increased the national team's number of semifinalists to eight.
In the women's 57 kg category, Jamila Muradli defeated Czech boxer Rozalie Uhrova by a 4-1 split decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27, 28-29, 29-28). She will face Italy's Morena Stifani for a place in the final.
Hasrat Mammadov (46 kg) delivered one of the fastest victories of the round, defeating Slovakia's Kristian Mezesi in just 79 seconds. He will meet Ireland's Ronan Charles in the semifinals.
Ismayil Nasirzade (52 kg) secured a unanimous 5-0 victory over Israel's Gleb Grinblat, with the judges scoring the contest 29-26, 29-26, 29-25, 29-25 and 30-24. His next opponent will be Ireland's Martin Nevin.
Gardash Rahimov (54 kg) also recorded a convincing 5-0 victory, defeating Belarusian Mikita Beskaravainy. All five judges scored the bout 30-27 in the Azerbaijani boxer's favour. Rahimov will face Montenegro's Strahinja Mrdak in the semifinals.
In the men's 57 kg division, Mahammadali Istamov overcame Greece's Eleftherios Zournatsis. After the Azerbaijani won the opening two rounds, the Greek boxer's corner decided to withdraw from the contest. Istamov will now take on Ukraine's Nikita Zakharchenko.
Hidayat Mammadov (70 kg) produced another impressive performance, knocking out Russia's Sandro Tsimtsba in the opening round. He will fight Ireland's Paddy Nevin for a place in the final.
Earlier in the tournament, Sama Abbasova (66 kg) and Khumar Jafarli (+80 kg) had also qualified for the semifinals.
With eight athletes reaching the last four, Azerbaijan has guaranteed itself at least eight bronze medals at the continental championships.
The semifinal bouts are scheduled for October 9, while the finals will take place on October 11.
