Turkish boxer to defend European championship in Poland

Turkish national boxer Elif Güneri aims to defend her title in the European Boxing Championships (EUBC) next month in Poland.

"I would like to see our flag and anthem honored in the boxing ring," Güneri told Anadolu Agency.

Güneri, 29, a physical education teacher, has bagged several boxing championship titles during her career. She was crowned European champion in 2016 and she also won bronze at the 2016 AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships. She generally competes in the 81-kilogram weight class.

After training with the national team in the Black Sea province of Trabzon, Güneri will participate in the European championship and wants to return to Turkey with the gold medal.

"My dream is to remain at the top of the list," Güneri said.

Güneri stressed that she is practicing under harsh conditions, but she does not accept this as an excuse. She works long and hard and believes she can always do better.

"I am practicing for boxing in my spare time from school. I am going to another city to practice after my teaching. I want to win the world boxing championship title but I know it is not easy," Güneri said.

"My aim is to be an example to children by showing them: 'I did it, you can do it'," Güneri added.