BRENDAN IRVINE CONJURED a sterling performance to book his ticket to Rio after winning his box-off against Bulgaria’s Daniel Asenov in Turkey.
The 19-year-old from Belfast bounced back from yesterday’s disappointing semi-final defeat to record a unanimous decision win at the Olympic Qualifiers.
He becomes the fifth Irish boxer to qualify for Rio, joining Paddy Barnes, Michael Conlan, Steven Donnelly and Joe Ward on the plane.
After Friday’s loss to Narek Abgaryan, Irvine was determined to seize his final chance of qualification at this tournament as he held his nerve in the most testing of circumstances.
His opponent was quick out of the blocks and landed a couple of early blows to seize the early advantage but Irvine showed incredible resolve, and stamina, to hit back.
Irvine edged the second round and then held on in what was a tense final round to secure his place in Rio.
David Oliver Joyce has the chance to join his team-mates when he enters the ring with Volkan Gokcek at 4pm Irish time tomorrow.
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