Three the target for Beijing

IRISH boxing officials remain confident that at least one more fighter will secure a spot at this summer’s Olympic Games when they contest the final qualifier for European boxers in Athens next month.

With Paddy Barnes (flyweight) and John Joe Nevin (bantamweight) already confirmed for Beijing, Ireland’s representation in the ring will be at least double that of the Athens games where Andy Lee was the sole qualifier.

A nine-man team will make the trip to the Greek capital in four weeks’ time with Ken Egan (light heavyweight), Darren Sutherland (middleweight) and Roy Sheahan (welterweight) among those with high hopes.