Conlon joins Irish duo in Olympics qualification

Three Irish boxers have qualifed for next year's London Olympics.

Michael Conlon has joined John Joe Nevin and Darren O'Neill in the squad for next year's games after winning his bout this evening at the World Championships in Azerbaijan.

The Belfast flyweight produced a stirring fight-back to beat Nordine Oubaali of France after trailing by two points after the opening round of their last-16 bout.

Earlier, John Joe Nevin and Darren O'Neill both progressed to the last-eight in their weight divisions, meaning that they are assured of a place at next year's games.

But there has been disappointment for David Oliver Joyce, Con Sheehan and Joe Ward.

Joyce narrowly lost out by 32 points to 30 to Jai Bhagwan of India in their lightweight bout this evening after the St Michael's Athy boxer was penalised two points in the final seconds of their last-16 clash.

Sheehan was retired by Ireland head coach Billy Walsh during the third round of his super-heavyweight contest because of a bad cut.

Earlier, promising teenager Ward, lost his light-heavyweight bout on a count-back.