Magnificent Seven: The Irish boxing team ready to rumble at Doha

Ireland’s seven-man team get action underway in Doha today. Who are the fighting Irish? 

Brendan Irvine (19)

Weight:

49kg (light-flyweight).

From:

Antrim (St Pauls).

How he got here:

Claimed a silver medal at the European Games in Baku.

How he gets to Rio:

Must reach the World final and even then he would likely have to face a box-off against Paddy Barnes, who is already qualified for the Olympics.

Draw:

Fights this evening against Nico Hernandez of the USA.

Chances of a medal/qualifying for Rio:

Slim.

Michael Conlan (23)

Weight:

56kg.

From:

Belfast (Clonard BC).

How he got here:

Won gold at the European Championships in Samokov.

How he gets to Rio:

Already qualified for the Olympics via the World Series of Boxing.

Draw:

Received a bye as the No 3 seed; fights on Thursday.

Chances of a medal/qualifying for Rio:

Strong and already booked for Rio.

Seán McComb (23)

Weight:

60kg (lightweight).

From:

Belfast (Holy Trinity BC).

How he got here:

Took bronze at the European Games in Baku.

How he gets to Rio:

Must finish in the top three by reaching the final or winning a third-place box-off.

Draw:

Fights tomorrow against Lindolfo Garca Delgado of Mexico.

Chances of a medal/qualifying for Rio:

A dark horse.

Dean Walsh (21)

Weight:

64kg (light-welterweight).

From:

Wexford (St Josephs/St Ibars).

How he got here:

Took bronze at the European Games in Baku.

How he gets to Rio:

Must finish in the top three by reaching the final or winning a third-place box-off.

Draw:

Fights today against Luis Dian Arcon of Venezuela.

Chances of a medal/qualifying for Rio:

A big ask.

Adam Nolan (28)

Weight:

69kg (welterweight).

From:

Wexford (boxes out of Bray BC).

How he got here:

Quarter-finalist at the European Championships.

How he gets to Rio:

Must finish in the top three by reaching the final or winning a third-place box-off.

Draw:

Fights tomorrow against Eimantas Stanionis of Lithuania.

Chances of a medal/qualifying for Rio:

Experience on his side, but a tough task.

Michael O’Reilly (22)

Weight:

75kg (middleweight).

From:

Portlaoise.

How he got here:

European Games champion.

How he gets to Rio:

Must finish in the top three by reaching the final or winning a third-place box-off.

Draw:

Fights today against Valerii Kharlamov of Ukraine.

Chances of a medal/qualifying for Rio:

A live outsider if he gets through his opener.

Joe Ward (21)

Weight:

81kg (light-heavyweight).

From:

Westmeath (Moate BC/APB).

How he got here:

European Championships gold medallist.

How he gets to Rio:

Must reach the final.

Draw:

Received a bye and does not fight until Friday.

Chances of a medal/qualifying for Rio:

Strong.