PAT McCORMACK guaranteed himself an Olympic medal with a confident quarter-final victory over brutal Uzbek Bobo-Osmon Badurov yesterday - but the North-Easterner immediately set his sights on gaining gold.

The Birtley star is wearing a golden mouthguard for his bouts at the Kokugikan Arena, the spiritual home of sumo wrestling, so there can be no doubt of his intentions in Tokyo.

And if there was any lingering doubt, the Washington-born 26-year-old spelled out his ambitions for the remainder of the boxing tournament after once again impressing in the ring as he withstood Badurov, who led with his head in the final round, to guarantee Team GB’s second boxing medal.

“It’s unbelievable,” said McCormack. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed of, to get a medal at the Olympics.

“But now’s the time to change the colour. Gold is the dream and then I’ve completed amateur boxing.

“I’m getting better in each fight, I’m warming into the tournament and hopefully that will continue.”

Karris Artingstall became the first British fighter to guarantee a podium place with a landmark win over Commonwealth champion Skye Nicolson at women’s featherweight.

McCormack’s procession to the medal bouts at men’s welterweight was somewhat more predictable as the Birtley ABC star is the top seed in his category and a World silver medallist.

Three of the five judges gave him a first round that he dictated yesterday, and he landed two devastating right-handers in the second round, which was given to him by all five adjudicators.

The third round was more akin to the wrestling matches that the Arena is used to hosting, with Badurov leading with his head. A clash of heads saw McCormack draw blood for the second fight in succession, and there was no doubt who was the winner when the final bell sounded.

Ireland’s Aidan Walsh awaits in the semi-finals - win that, and McCormack, whose brother Luke is also competing at the Olympics at lightweight, will be guaranteed at least silver and will be fighting for gold.

“It was a good fight,” he said of beating Badurov.

“I got the first two rounds under my belt. I got cut in the third round because he was coming in with his head, throwing everything, the kitchen sink at me.

“But I got through it and got the win, so I’m over the moon.

“It was very dangerous. I did get cut in the last round so I’m just trying to stay out of his way and make sure I was boxing in the first round.

“I should be alright, I’ll get it glued up. I’ve got a day’s rest and then to go again on Sunday.”

After McCormack’s quarter-final success, Great Britain’s Ben Whittaker also guaranteed himself at least a bronze medal by edging a 3-2 split decision win against Brazil’s Keno Machado to reach the light-heavyweight last four.

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