Empty-handed or with the gold medal: Vikas Krishan Yadav

Vikas Krishan Yadav is just one win away from an Olympic medal after a comprehensive victory over his opponent, Onder Sipal of Turkey, in his pre-quarterfinal bout but the Indian boxer only wants gold. His 3-0 win by a unanimous decision in the men's 75kg middleweight prequarters bout has him facing Uzbek boxer Bektemir Melikuziev for at least a bronze medal . But Vikas feels the boxer maybe his only challenge for an unprecedented boxing gold medal.

"He (Melikuziev) is the toughest in the group. Mark my words, if I am able to defeat him, I will return home with gold. I won't take a silver or bronze. I will return empty-handed or the gold medal. Gold is assured if I get past him," the 24-year-old Indian said after his pre-quarterfinal fight. A former Youth Olympics and Youth World champion in 2014 and 2015 Doha World Championship silver medallist, Melikuziev had beaten Vikas at Asian Championship in Thailand last year. "He's a bit powerful and a bit heavier in weight. But he does not have a height advantage.

He has the power and stamina, he is young," Vikas said. " I was not in form then (at Asian Championships), while he was at his peak. I've picked my rhythm now."

Men’s 75 Kg
Quarter-finals
Tonight: 3.15 AM