Ashfaq taking the positives from his European silver in Bulgaria

Ashfaq fought his way to the gold medal match where he failed to get the better of Ireland’s Michael Conlan, who beat him in the Commonwealth Games bantamweight final last year.

The 22-year-old had wanted revenge for his defeat in Glasgow but the Olympic bronze medallist was awarded the decision after a tentative, technical match.

Writing on his Instagram account after the fight, Ashfaq said: “Well what can I say! Personally I thought I won today and so did a lot of people but well done to Michael Conlon, he’s a class fella and a nice kid and I’m the first to congratulate him. Well done pal and also well done on winning boxer of the tournament.

“I’ve just got to look at the positives. This was my second ever major tournament and I’ve won a European silver medal against some of the most experienced boxers from around the world.

“The only way is up, I’m getting better every time and will keep getting better!”

Great Britain enjoyed their best ever results at the championships with Welshman Joe Cordina winning their only gold after beating Georgia’s Otar Eranosyan on points in the lightweight division.

Cordina had to battle against a tenacious opponent in Eranyosan but he countered the Georgian’s advances to win gold on a unanimous decision.

GB’s other finalists – Keighley’s Muhammad Ali, Harvey Horn and Pat McCormack - had to settle for silver. Joshua Buatsi’s bronze in the light heavyweight division took the tally to six medals from a team of seven fighters.

“To bring seven boxers to a tournament as difficult as this and leave with six medals, with five boxers making the final, is a fantastic achievement,” said GB Boxing’s performance director, Rob McCracken.

“I think the team can consider itself very unlucky to only win one gold.”

The six British medallists have also sealed places at October’s World Championships, where they have the chance to qualify for the Rio Olympics.