MUHAMMAD Ali's trainer Mike Jelley was left to rue what might have been after the Keighley boxer was withdrawn from his last-16 bout in the European Games due to injury.

A clash of heads with Italian opponent Vincenzo Picardi left the Bury ABC teenager with a badly cut eye in the first round, causing the referee to bring the contest in Baku to a premature end.

Jelley, who has overseen the youngster's development from an early age, sympathised with his protege.

"He was doing really well – but that's sport and sometimes you get unlucky," said Jelley.

"He was absolutely gutted as he always get better the longer the fight goes on as he is very strong and has such good work rate.

"But he will learn from this and instead of rushing in at the start, he might box at a longer range."

Ali, who turned 19 on the day of the bout, believes he would have gone on to win gold.

The Great Britain flyweight said: "Seeing all of the other guys in the competition, I knew that I could have beaten them all.

"I knew I could have won that gold quite easily. It was just unfortunate.

"I am disappointed but obviously I just have to put it behind me and look forward to the next competition."

Ali had overcome Alexandr Riscan of Moldova in his first bout in Baku.