Looks like Ireland have another boxer heading for Rio

Irish welterweight Steven Donnelly appears set to qualify for Rio 2016 without throwing a punch.

The boxer from Ballymena is being congratulated by many involved in Irish boxing, with a place at next year’s Olympics appearing to be in the bag.

Each country can only send one boxer per division to the Games, but Russia has two qualified fighters in the 69kg weight category.

Both Andrey Zamkovoy and Radzhab Butaev have earned a place, but only one can go.

Zamkovoj beat Butaev in Russia’s national final in Samara yesterday and as a result is expected to be chosen.

Butaev qualified through the World Series of Boxing (WSB) earlier this year, earning one of two Olympic places, while Donnelly finished fourth.

With the third-placed finisher already qualified elsewhere, Donnelly looks to be the beneficiary of the Russian double up, appearing very likely to take Butaev’s place.

He will have to wait another few days to know for sure, Friday December 4 is the deadline for Russia to choose their competitor.

But Irish boxing fans are confident Donnelly will be joining the Irish Olympic effort.

@Steven_Donnelly @eric_donovan60 @kenegan30 @RealCFrampton Congrats Steven, I've just seen that you've got your place in Rio, delighted 4U

— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) November 30, 2015

Just heard @Steven_Donnelly has booked his place for #Rio2016 go and show them how it's done fella 👊

— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) November 30, 2015

Made up for my Irish mate @Steven_Donnelly who should now be qualified for Rio, well deserved as well after a great @WSB_Boxing season 👊

— Anthony Fowler (@afowler06) November 30, 2015

So far Ireland has three boxers qualified for Rio 2016; if Donnelly does get the nod he will be joining Paddy Barnes, Michael Conlan and Joe Ward on the plane to Rio.