Kurt Walker admits his European Games gold medal success is only starting to sink in.
The Lisburn boxer was a class apart in Minsk when he beat Mykola Butsenko in the bantamweight final last Sunday.
Walker excelled in the three-round bout, comprehensively outclassing his Ukrainian opponent before claiming the decision.
"It was an incredible experience," the 24-year-old said.
"I think it is only starting to sink in now what I have achieved. The last few days have been hectic and I didn't really have time to reflect.
"I am just buzzing, to be honest. Everything is great when you're winning, and getting the European Games gold has just given me so much confidence."
Walker admit he felt comfortable against Butsenko, a rival who comprehensively beat the Irish boxer 5-0 at the European Championships two years ago.
This time it was Walker who dominated, landing the cleaner shots throughout the fight to earn the unanimous win on the five judges' scorecards: 29-28, 30-27, 30-27, 29-28, 30-27.
"It just shows you how far I have come in those two years, and there is much more to come," Walker added.
"I felt so comfortable in the ring, and I don't think he bothered me at all during the fight. I was never in any trouble.
"After the first round I went back to my corner and they were buzzing, so I knew I was doing something right. Usually, they would be telling me off about something, and saying how close it was.
"The game plan my coaches came up with worked perfectly, and I stuck to the plan and we got our rewards."
Walker will now take two weeks off before returning to training.
His next big assignment will be the World Championships in Russia this September, and then he will set his sights on qualification for the Tokyo Olympics.
"I will have a few days off to let my body recover. Making the weight takes it out of you," he said.
"I will then do some jogging or swimming before returning to the gym.
"The World Championships are coming up but they won't count towards Olympic qualification, but there is the European qualifiers in London in February which will be important.
"The big aim is the Olympics. I want to be there in 2020 and I just have to keep progressing and hopefully things fall into place."
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