Matthew McCole says he wants to top the podium in Russia at the World University Championships.
The Dungloe man and Letterkenny Institute of Technology student begins his bid for glory in Elista this afternoon.
McCole faces Russian Alisa Sharifov in a light-welterweight quarter-final.
“I’m just concentrating on myself so if I can perform I don’t have to worry about him,” McCole told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub from Russia.
“I’m out here to win a medal. I came here to win. If the performances come, I think I’m definitely capable of coming home with one.
“Russia isn’t what I expected it to be, but I’m settling in well and looking forward to getting going.”
McCole is part of a four-man Irish team that includes Terry McEntee, Sean Purcell and Ricky Nesbitt.
This is his first time at these Championships.
The Dungloe southpaw said: “It’s my first proper major international competition and it’s a massive honour. It’s been good to be part of a small team too, it helps prepare and focus better.”
