Team GB's Galal Yafai reaches Olympic men's flyweight final after thrilling split decision victory over Kazak fighter Saken Bibossinov guarantees Brummie a medal in Tokyo

Great Britain's Galal Yafai was targeting a spot in the flyweight gold medal fight
Kazak Saken Bibossinov won bronze at the 2019 World Championships
Yafai came out all guns blazing as Bibossinov was given an early standing count
Despite the Kazak coming back, Yafai reached Saturday's final by split decision
Find out the latest Tokyo Olympic news including schedule, medal table and results right here

Published: 07:08 BST, 5 August 2021 | Updated: 07:23 BST, 5 August 2021

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Galal Yafai will fight for Olympic gold after a stunning, high-octane victory over Kazakhstan’s Saken Bibossinov in the flyweight semi-final.

The Brummie, 28, sped out of the blocks and delivered a straight left to leave his opponent with a standing count in a first round in which he took the verdict of all five judges.

After the second, he was ahead with two judges and level with three and with it all to fight for in a brutal final round he did just enough to squeeze a 3-2 verdict.

Galal Yafai (R) reached the Olympic men's flyweight final with a split decision victory

The Brummie fighter, 28, will now fight for the gold medal in Saturday's final in Tokyo

Yafai had clinched his place at Tokyo in the nick of time at a London qualifier which was just hours from being abandoned, with lockdown looming large.

But he is now three rounds from glory.

More to follow...