The former champion in the men’s under 69 kilogram welterweight division began his campaign with a tough encounter against Germany’s Araik Marutjan, who had recently claimed bronze at the AIBA Pro Boxing (APB).

Bacskai produced three impressive rounds to overcome his opponent via a split decision verdict, as two judges preferred the Hungarian as the victor after they scored the fight level at 19-all, while the third judge had viewed Marutjan to be the more dominant boxer, scoring the contest 20:18 in his favour.

Having narrowly progressed to the last 16 of the tournament, Bacskai will find himself as the underdog against the second seed Eimantas Stanionis of Lithuania, who enjoyed a first round bye, along with top seed Radzab Butaev of Russia.

Bulgaria had seen both of their boxers progress in yesterday’s preliminary rounds, but the home team had a mixed second day of competition.

Mariyan Momchev Yankov fell to a first round defeat to Spain’s Damian Biacho in the men’s 75kg middleweight division.

The power of the Spaniard’s punches appeared to surprise the home favourite as Yankvo was clearly the second best throughout the duration of the fight, eventually falling to a unanimous points defeat.

The hosts were able to celebrate a win for Simeon Chamov in the men’s under 69kg welterweight division as he enjoyed a straightforward first round bout with Bosnia’s Ahmed Djananovic, the judges scoring the bout 30:26, 30:26, 30:27.

The team of the day, though, proved to be Sweden as both Leon Chartoi and Clarence Goyeram won in the middle and welterweight divisions respectively.

Chartoi was in full control of his fight against the Moldova's Victor Carapcevschii as a string of successful combinations helped the 25-year-old win unanimously on points.

He is confident it will be the start of a good run in the Championships.

“I did not have any special tactics today as I had not seen my opponent before,” Chartoi said.

“I tried to stay relaxed and box my usual style.

“Because of this, I am satisfied with my first bout in this tournament, and I hope to do better in the next contest.

“My target is to go as long as I can in the event, we had a good preparation, and I feel in good shape.”

His compatriot Goyeram also won unanimously on points in his 69kg welterweight tie with Israeli champion Denis Klochk to ensure Sweden, along with Belarus, Great Britain, Netherlands, Russia, Turkey and Spain, remain unbeaten so far in Bulgaria.

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