Irish boxers Barnes and Conlon book spots at Rio Olympics

By Dave Hooper

Olympic medallist’s Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlon have booked their place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Belfast flyweight Barnes - bronze medallist in Beijing and London - became the first Irish boxer to qualify for three Olympic Games after defeating Finol Rivas in Venezula.

RIO BOUND! I'm 28 I'll do what I want! #Olympics #teamireland #boxing

— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) April 19, 2015

The 28-year-old, unbeaten in his six light flyweight division bouts in the World Series of Boxing series, knew any kind of win would book his place at Rio.

The Belfast man was the dominant figure throughout the fight, though British judge Raymond Morley surprisingly gave the verdict to Rivas (48-47).

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The other two judges, awarded Barnes the contest (49-45; 49-46), handing four ranking points to Barnes moving him one point clear of his nearest rival Uzbekistan’s Hasanboy Dusmatov.

Michael Conlon duly delivered the required unanimous decision over Jose Diaz (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) to claim a spot in the bantamweight division.

Honestly can't believe what's happened tonight, was almost pulling out of fighting last night when the Russian won, I've now qualified for..

— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) April 19, 2015

Rio over a year out along with my team mate and great friend @paddyb_ireland as I always say, what's meant to be, will be!! #riobound #gold

— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) April 19, 2015

Having lost two bouts in the World Series of Boxing, Conlon hoped that rival Magomed Gurbanov from Azerbaijan would lose in his final bout to Hictor Garcia from Puerto Rico.

The two bouts took place simultaneously in Venezuela and Puerto Rico with favourite Gurbanov crashing to a shock 3-0 defeat against Garcia.

The result guarantees Conlon second place in the World Series qualification for Rio 2016 and chance to go better than his bronze medal from London.

Huge congrats to @paddyb_ireland and @mickconlan11 qualifying for their 3rd and 2nd Olympics.. Absolute heroes! #Rio #boxing #Gold

— Katie Taylor (@KatieTaylor) April 19, 2015

Elsewhere in Zurich, Mullingar marathon runner Martin Fagan posted the qualifying time for the Olympic marathon finishing 11th in 2:16:09.

Fagan completed a two year doping suspension in 2014 and previously said he would turn down the chance to compete at an Olympic Games if he qualified.