Belfast flyweight Paddy Barnes became the fourth Irish boxer to qualify for the London Olympics after his quarter-final victory at the Olympic qualifying tournament in Turkey.
Barnes claimed an impressive victory over Stefan Caslarov of Romania, winning 17-9 in a fight that he was always in control of.
The bronze medallist at the Beijing Games now feels that the pressure is off after securing qualification and is looking forward to the semi-final.
"I was really really nervous because I knew what was up for stake. I was a bit edgy and nervous and throwing a few silly shots because I knew I was better than they guy, but I'm just glad it's out of the way now," he said,
Barnes set out his goals for London, insisting that he has his eye on gold. "I'm European Champion and Commonwealth Champion so hopefully I'll be Olympic Champion this year too."
The Holy Family clubman also paid tribute to Beijing Games Irish teammate Darren Sutherland who tragically died in 2009.
“It was special too that it happened on the day of what would have been Darren Sutherland’s 30th birthday, and I am proud to dedicate this victory and achievement to him," he said
“Darren and I were close friends and I miss him still. He is always with the Irish team.”
Barnes qualification came as a boost for the Irish team after David Oliver Joyce was beaten by Lithuania's Evaldas Petrauskas in the first Irish bout of the day.
After a frantic first round, Joyce was trailing by 6-3 and despite having the superior work rate he was unable to connect with scoring blows. Petrauskas extended his lead to 13-6 at the end of the second round and was able to see out the fight comfortably from then on, eventually winning 19-10.
Meanwhile Adam Nolan is now just one win from securing Olympic qualification. The Wexford welterweight was made to work hard for a 17-13 win against Azerbaijani opponent Tamerlan Abdullayev. Victory in his semi-final will book his place in London.
Heavyweight Tommy McCarthy was the last Irishman in action on Wednesday and impressed in his 16-7 win over Hungarian Jozsef Daniel Darmos. McCarthy survived a standing 8 count to claim victory but will have to win gold in Turkey if he wants to claim an Olympic spot.
