KEIGHLEY boxer Muhammad Ali got his European Games campaign in Baku underway with a points victory over Romanian Alexandr Riscan.

The recently-crowned GB Elite Three Nations gold medallist took the bout 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 on the judge’s scorecards to set up a last-16 tie against 31-year-old Italian No 2 seed Vincenzo Picardi of Italy on Saturday.

Eighteen-year-old Ali, who won gold in the European Youth Championships last year, proved a firm fans' favourite in the Azerbaijan capital with many of the crowd chanting his name.

He said: “It was important to get off to a winning start. My first fight was just about getting in there, getting rid of any rust because we have been here for a week now.

“I could hear the crowd cheering for me. I thought it would only be the GB team, but the rest were as well. I think my style helps, I'm all action and throw a lot of shots, so I think people enjoy it.

“I knew he would start fast. I have watched videos and it was about getting through the first round. I wanted to assert myself and make sure he didn't get everything his own way, and I thought I did that."

Despite being seven years younger than Riscan, Ali proved he can more than hold his own having only just entered the senior ranks.

And he is determined to show that age is no barrier when he takes on the experienced Picardi.

“I might be 18, but I'm strong for my age. So I will assert myself in the next round and my opponent knows he is in for a good fight.

“My dad and my mate are out here and there's a few more coming out to support me. I wasn't nervous I'm used to it."